Perrot Minot Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru La Riotte 2006

Domaine Perrot-Minot: A Legacy of Burgundian Excellence and Precision

Nestled in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, in the prestigious village of Morey-Saint-Denis, Domaine Perrot-Minot stands as a beacon of quality, precision, and terroir-driven winemaking. Over the past three decades, under the dynamic leadership of Christophe Perrot-Minot, this family estate has risen to become one of Burgundy’s most celebrated and sought-after producers. The domaine is renowned for its strikingly pure, elegant, and intensely flavored wines that masterfully articulate the nuances of their exceptional vineyard sites.

A Storied History Rooted in Burgundy’s Soil

The origins of Domaine Perrot-Minot trace back to the mid-19th century, through the union of the Sigaut family in Chambolle-Musigny and the Morizot family in Morey-Saint-Denis. The domaine began to take its modern shape in the early 20th century under the guidance of Amédée and Armand Merme. In 1963, a pivotal marriage between Marie-France Merme, Armand’s daughter, and Henri Perrot-Minot officially created the entity known today as Domaine Perrot-Minot.

While the domaine has a long history, its ascent to the upper echelon of Burgundy producers is largely attributed to their son, Christophe Perrot-Minot, who took the reins in 1993. Previously a successful wine broker, Christophe brought a unique perspective and an uncompromising drive for quality. He implemented a philosophy centered on meticulous vineyard management, drastically low yields, and a non-interventionist approach in the cellar, aiming to produce wines of unparalleled purity and expression. His vision has not only honored the family’s heritage but has also propelled the domaine to international acclaim.

Production Philosophy and Numbers: A Commitment to Quality Over Quantity

Domaine Perrot-Minot’s operations are defined by an almost fanatical attention to detail. The estate manages approximately 13 hectares of vineyards, a combination of owned parcels and long-term lease agreements (fermage), all farmed with the same meticulous care. The viticulture is sustainable, eschewing chemical fertilizers and herbicides to maintain the natural balance of each terroir.

A key aspect of the domaine’s philosophy is the emphasis on old vines, with the majority of their parcels planted with vines aged 45 years or older. Some select cuvées, famously labeled «Cuvée Ultra Vieilles Vignes,» are sourced from vines that are between 70 and 110 years old. These ancient vines naturally produce small, concentrated berries (millerandage), which are fundamental to the intensity and complexity of the final wines.

Production at the domaine is intentionally limited to ensure the highest quality. Yields are kept exceptionally low, often around 25 to 30 hectoliters per hectare. This results in a total production that varies with the vintage’s conditions. For instance, a «normal» year might see around 150 barrels produced, but challenging vintages like 2021 saw this number shrink to just 49 barrels.This small-scale production makes the wines highly sought after and often difficult to acquire, with some micro-cuvées yielding fewer than 50 cases.

In the cellar, Christophe Perrot-Minot’s approach is one of precision and minimal intervention. A rigorous sorting process, both in the vineyard and at the winery on a vibrating sorting table, ensures that only perfectly ripe and healthy grapes are used. The use of new oak is judicious, typically around 20-30%, to support the wine without masking its intrinsic terroir character. Whole-bunch fermentation is often employed, with the percentage varying depending on the cuvée and vintage, to enhance aromatic complexity and add a silky texture and freshness.¹⁵ The wines are bottled without fining or filtration, preserving their natural integrity.

The Diverse and Prestigious Wines of Perrot-Minot

The portfolio of Domaine Perrot-Minot is a stunning tour through the most revered appellations of the Côte de Nuits. The wines are consistently praised for their seamless texture, aromatic depth, and ability to age gracefully. The range is logically structured, ascending from exceptional village wines to a remarkable collection of Premier and Grand Crus.

Grands Crus: The Pinnacle of the Portfolio

The domaine produces wines from no fewer than seven Grand Cru vineyards, a testament to its exceptional holdings. These are the crown jewels of the estate:

• Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru: A wine of immense power and elegance, known for its profound complexity and longevity.
• Chambertin Grand Cru: Often described as the king of Burgundy, Perrot-Minot’s version is a benchmark of structure and depth.
• Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru: Typically offers a graceful and aromatic expression of this terroir, which lies just below Clos de Bèze.
• Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru: Sourced from a prime, high-slope parcel, this wine is noted for its perfumed bouquet and finesse.
• Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru: Though it can be labeled as Charmes-Chambertin, Christophe vinifies it separately to highlight its distinct, mineral-driven character.
• Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru: Produced in minuscule quantities from a tiny plot, this is an aromatically delicate and intensely flavored wine.
• Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru: A powerful and structured wine that reflects the classic character of this large and diverse Grand Cru.

Premiers Crus: Expressions of Premier Terroirs

Perrot-Minot’s Premier Cru wines are of outstanding quality, often rivaling the Grand Crus of other producers:

• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru «La Richemone» Vieilles Vignes: One of the domaine’s most iconic bottlings, sourced from centenarian vines, offering incredible density and complexity.
• Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru «La Combe d’Orveau» Vieilles Vignes: Situated next to the Grand Cru Musigny, this is a wine of exceptional refinement and aromatic purity.
• Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru «Les Fuées» Vieilles Vignes: Known for its elegance and minerality, bordering the Grand Cru of Bonnes-Mares.
• Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru «Les Charmes» Vieilles Vignes: A classic Chambolle, expressing delicate floral notes and silky tannins.
• Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru «La Riotte» Vieilles Vignes: A flagship of the home village, showcasing the structure and spice characteristic of Morey.
• Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru «Les Beaux Monts» Vieilles Vignes: A wine that perfectly balances aromatic intensity with a powerful mineral backbone.

Village and Lieu-dit Wines: An Introduction to Excellence

Even at the village level, the quality is exceptional, with many wines sourced from specific, high-quality lieux-dits:

• Morey-Saint-Denis «En la Rue de Vergy»: From a stony, high-altitude plot above Clos de Tart, this wine is impressively mineral-driven.
• Gevrey-Chambertin «Justice des Seuvrées»: A blend from two parcels that yields a classic Gevrey with red fruit intensity and a ferrous minerality.
• Vosne-Romanée «Les Champs Perdrix»: Described by Christophe as «elegant and diva-like,» this wine comes from a parcel just above La Grande Rue.
• Chambolle-Musigny «Orveaux des Bussières»: An outstanding village wine that includes declassified fruit from the 1er Cru La Combe d’Orveau, offering remarkable complexity for its level.

Through a rich history and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Domaine Perrot-Minot has secured its place as a leader in Burgundy. Each bottle is a reflection of Christophe Perrot-Minot’s vision: to create wines that are not only powerful and impressive but are, above all, pure, elegant, and true to their noble origins.