History
Domaine Prieuré Roch was founded in 1988 by Henri-Frédéric Roch, a member of the Leroy family and co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC). Starting with parcels in Vosne-Romanée, including the Clos Goillotte Monopole purchased from DRC, Roch expanded to 20 hectares across Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Ladoix, and Savigny-les-Beaune. Following Henri's passing in 2018, Yannick Champ and winemaker Antonio Quari continue his vision, managing prestigious monopoles like Clos des Corvées and Clos des Varoilles.
Viticulture Philosophy
The estate is committed to biodynamic and organic farming, eliminating synthetic products since its inception. Vineyards, primarily Pinot Noir with some Chardonnay and Gamay, are cultivated with low yields (18 hl/ha) to enhance fruit intensity. Sites like Clos Goillotte (0.55 ha) and Les Suchots (1.02 ha) in Vosne-Romanée emphasize terroir-driven expression through meticulous, natural vineyard management, fostering balance and longevity.
Winemaking Techniques
Prieuré Roch employs minimal-intervention winemaking, using 100% whole-bunch fermentation with native yeasts and no added sulfites during vinification. Grapes are hand-harvested, punched down by foot, and undergo gravity-led remontage. Wines age in French oak (minimal new oak) for 12-24 months, bottled unfiltered to preserve purity. This approach yields sensual, fruit-forward wines with vibrant terroir expression.
Critics and Journalist Praises
The domaine enjoys cult status among sommeliers and collectors. Winehog's Steen Öhman praises the 2022 vintage for its “vivid fruit” and resemblance to the acclaimed 2002, noting the estate's “sharper, more polished” style under Quari. The 2010 Clos Goillotte scored $4,155 on Vinovest, reflecting its investment value. Critics like Jasper Morris MW commend the wines’ distinctive, emotional character, with Vivino rating Clos de Bèze and Clos des Corvées 4.5/5 for their complexity.
