Domaine Jean Chauvenet, Vosne Romanée, Aux Ravioles, Burgundy, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Domaine Jean Chauvenet is a prestigious winery set against the tranquil backdrop of the Burgundy countryside that was founded by Jean Chauvenet as a passionate endeavour to celebrate and nurture the gifts of nature.

With a rich history spanning several decades, the vineyard is synonymous with exceptional quality and refinement in the realm of fine wine. As a family-owned and operated estate, its wines embody the artistry of winemaking perfected by the Chauvenet family over generations.

Viticulture

From a 0.31-hectare parcel of 40-year-old vines, Domaine Chauvenet crafts this Vosne-Romanée from the “Aux Raviolles” lieu-dit, located in the southern part of the appellation near the Nuits-Saint-Georges border. The vines grow in silty, sandy soils that lend finesse and lift to the wine. The entire estate is farmed using controlled natural sodding with 2 or 3 clippings a year. Pruning is performed using the Guyot cane technique in some parts and the unilateral cordon training (Royat) for the most robust vine stock.

Winemaking

Produced in very small quantities by Jean Chauvenet's son in law Christophe Drag, the wine reflects Christophe's hallmark style—defined by energy, clarity, and a balance of purity with vibrancy. The grapes are fully destemmed, followed by a cold maceration at 10–12 °C for 5–6 days in concrete tanks. Fermentation then proceeds at 28–32 °C over 18–21 days, with one daily cap immersion to encourage colour and phenolic extraction while preserving suppleness. After pressing, the wines rest in vat for 3–5 days before being transferred to barrels, 15% of which are new. The first racking takes place the following September, with a second racking a month before bottling, typically in April. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration.

Tasting Note

Less firmly tannic than neighbouring Nuits-Saint-Georges, this Vosne-Romanée shows a refined structure and a distinctive elegance derived from its terroir. It combines precision and tension with a juicy, mouthwatering cherry and strawberry notes and forest character that lingers on the palate.

Food Matching

Roast duck with cherry glaze, or pigeon with mushrooms. Roasted root vegetables, or a lentil and herb terrine.