The Estate

The beautiful slopes of Irancy have been home to the Richoux family’s winemaking endeavors since 1620. Located near Chablis, this picturesque village in boasts vineyards flourishing on Kimmeridgian limestone, which imparts a unique minerality and aromatic depth to the wines. The varied exposures—mainly south and west—create ideal conditions for ripening while preserving freshness and balance.

Now in their 11th generation, brothers Gabin and Félix Richoux continue this tradition, managing 20 hectares across diverse terrains, including the renowned lieux-dits of Veaupessiot and Palotte. Their commitment to organic practices, certified in 2014, and biodynamic methods, recognized from the 2021 harvest, reflects a deep respect for the land.

The Richoux family emphasizes traditional techniques, including meticulous hand-harvesting and sorting. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, followed by a long élevage that lasts two years—first year in tank and second year in large oak foudres occasionally extending beyond that. Richoux believes that this long aging helps to harmonize the wines while maintaining the purity and depth of the terroir. The resulting wines are complex and balanced, exhibiting excellent aging potential that allows the terroir to shine through.

Richoux wines are renowned for their mineral-driven profiles and earthiness, reflecting Irancy’s cool climate—one of France’s northernmost appellations—layered with rich fruit and subtle spice. In addition to their exceptional Irancy reds, they produce a white from Pinot Gris, a sparkling méthode Champenoise, and a Rosé from Pinot Noir.

Viticulture and Vinification

The grapes are vinified, aged, and bottled on the estate in Irancy. Meticulous care of vineyard work is carried out, including Poussard pruning, debudding, and tying up. The estate employs organic practices, certified in 2014, and biodynamic practices, recognized from the 2021 harvest. These sustainable methods ensure that the vines receive the attention they need to produce high-quality grapes. Yields are kept to a maximum of 45 hectoliters per hectare, which enhances the quality of the wine.

The grapes are manually harvested and then sorted, with 100% de-stemming. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, allowing for an authentic expression of the terroir. Maceration lasts between 15 and 18 days, followed by a long ageing period of 24 to 36 months before the wines are bottled. This careful approach results in wines with complexity and transparency that reflect the character of Irancy.

Wines Produced

Grisez-vous

A Vin de Table made from 100% Pinot Gris. Aged for 6 months in stainless steel tank. Around 680 bottles produced.

Osez le Rose

A Rosé made from Pinot Noir, grown on clay-limestone soil. The grapes are pressed like a red but without maceration, and the wine is aged for 9 months in a stainless steel tank, with malolactic fermentation completed. Around 4700 bottles produced.

Irancy

This cuvée includes grapes from various parcels - Veaupessiot, Palotte, Les Cailles, and Les Mazelots - from vines up to 70 years old. Hand-harvested and 100% destemmed, the wine undergoes gentle pump-overs and ages for over 24 months.

Irancy Les Cailles

A single-vineyard cuvee produced only in top years. From a 1.80 hectare southeast-facing, clay-rich, gentle-sloping vineyard inside the amphitheater.

Les Cailles presents a more firm and mineral character.

Irancy Veaupessiot

Another single-vineyard cuvee produced only in best years. From the clay-rich “Vaupessiot” vineyard, featuring older vines on a south-facing slope overlooking the Yonne River. Aging for three years in 600-liter barrels and in tanks.

Veaupessiot is the most refined and fragrant of the lieux-dits bottlings.

Irancy Palotte

From the south-facing Palotte lieu-dit adjacent to Vaupessiot but positioned higher, with some vines dating back to 1937.

La Palotte exhibits a more traditional and earthy style compared to the other two lieux-dits.

Irancy Merci la foule

A special cuvee from a 0.17 ha Chérelle Ouest vineyard, with a high planting density of 21,000 vines per hectare. Only 350 liters are produced per year.

Crement de Bourgogne

A sparkling white wine made entirely from Pinot Noir from the north-facing, high-altitude parcels.

Ratafia de Bourgogne

Critical Praise

“This is a domaine with which all serious Burgundy lovers will want to acquaint themselves, and the wines come warmly recommended.”

William Kelley, robertparker.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country:  France

Region:  Burgundy

Appellation:  Irancy

Founded:  1620

Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic