François Raquillet, the 11th generation of grape growers in Mercurey, has 14 hectares of superbly sited, mostly old, vines. He believes in low yields, mature (rather than super-ripe) fruit and a severe selection at the table de tri. The depth, richness and concentration which characterise his wines are a result of this, rather than any over extraction. Francois has always worked alongside his wife Emmanuelle and they have now been joined by their daughter Jeanne.
The Bourgogne Rouge is from 30-year-old vines in the commune of Mercurey and sees 10 months in 25% new oak – as does Mercurey Vieilles Vignes, from 3 parcels of 60-year-old vines. They are delicious, juicy and seductive, whilst the 1er Crus have even more depth, richness and potential longevity. Les Veleys is a 0.8-hectare plot of 65-year-old vines in the sector of Chamirey, on heavier marne soils (40% new oak). Les Naugues is from perfectly sited 40-year-old vines on marl and limestone soils (40% new oak). The Mercurey Blanc “La Brigadière” is a delicious revelation, from 25-year-old vines and vinified in 400-litre demi-muids (20% new).
