Grand Echezeaux 2013 Domaine Romanèe Conti

Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti

The absolute essence of Burgundy—built on rigor, land, and time

The Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti, widely known as DRC, is far more than a wine producer—it is a global icon and a symbol of enological perfection located in the heart of Côte de Nuits, in Vosne‑Romanée. Its history spans centuries and is intertwined with the legendary vineyard that bears its name—Romanée‑Conti—already revered in the 18th century, contested by nobles and cardinals. The Domaine’s modern identity was shaped in the 20th century by the de Villaine and Leroy families, who continue to share its management and vision. All its vineyards are Grand Cru, nestled in Burgundy’s most prized plots—from La Tâche and Richebourg to Romanée‑Saint‑Vivant and Montrachet. With extremely limited production, each bottle is the result of an unwavering pursuit of purity, depth, and terroir fidelity.

In the vineyard: rigorous biodynamics and profound respect for terroir

At DRC, organic farming is not a trend, but a deeply held conviction. The vineyards have been certified biodynamic for years, though respect for the land predates any certification. Every vineyard practice—including harvest—is done by hand, grounded in the goal of expressing each cru fully. Each vine is treated as a unique individual; there is no forcing, no irrigation, no synthetic products. Exceptionally low yields, coupled with vine age, yield grapes of unparalleled concentration and complexity. Central to the philosophy is time—time to listen to the soil, observe the vine, and wait for perfect maturity. Only through such patience can one create a wine capable of transcending decades.

In the cellar: rigor, gravity, and almost religious classicism

Winemaking at DRC is marked by monastic precision, with meticulous observation of each micro-lot. Grapes are sorted one by one with obsessive care. Fermentation occurs in oak vats with native yeasts, often using whole clusters, and with no artificial temperature control. The must follows its natural course, without mechanical interference. Post-fermentation, wines are aged roughly 18 months in 100% new barriques, always with the aim of preserving, not masking, the wine’s identity. There is no room for shortcuts or compromise. Each cuvée is bottled unfiltered after a slow, precise, and silent evolution. The result is a wine beyond time—devoid of fashion or concession, speaking with an ethereal, vibrant, unmatched voice.