AS Sirugue-Noëllat

When Two Burgundy Dynasties Merge

The story of AS Sirugue-Noëllat reads like a chapter from the Burgundian nobility of wine. Sophie Noëllat comes from the sixth generation of Domaine Michel Noëllat, Arnaud Sirugue from the fifth generation of Domaine Robert Sirugue. When the two married in 2016 and produced their first joint wines, they began cautiously with just two cuvées. Then in 2023 came the big step: the complete takeover of the Sirugue legacy under the name "Arnaud et Sophie". That Sophie is also the cousin of Ghislaine Barthod from Chambolle-Musigny underscores the interconnectedness within the Burgundian winemaking elite.

Particularly remarkable is the connection to Henri Jayer, that legend who revolutionised Burgundian winemaking. Jean-François Jayer, his uncle, married into the Sirugue family – a connection that fascinates not only genealogically but also manifests itself in the vineyard. The parcel Les Barreaux borders directly on the Cros Parantoux, that mythical vineyard that Henri Jayer brought to world renown. Those who taste the wines from Les Barreaux feel this proximity: the same precision, the same silky texture that Pinot Noir develops here on limestone and red clay.

Twelve Hectares with Substance

The portfolio reads like a wish list for Burgundy lovers. The Grand Cru Grands Échézeaux forms the pinnacle of the hierarchy – a vineyard site that lies between Clos de Vougeot and Échézeaux and combines power with elegance. The Grands Échézeaux Grand Cru AOC 2023 already displays the characteristic depth of this extraordinary vineyard site in its youth.

In Vosne-Romanée itself, the couple manages several prime parcels: 1.1 hectares in the Premier Cru Les Petits Monts, a vineyard site above the village known for its mineral freshness. The Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Petits Monts AOC 2023 impressively demonstrates how Sophie and Arnaud bring precision and finesse into the bottle. Then of course Les Barreaux, that magical parcel next to the Cros Parantoux, whose Vosne-Romanée Les Barreaux AOC 2023 insiders immediately recognise, revealing why this vineyard site is so coveted.

To these are added Chambolle-Musigny Les Mombies, a Meursault Les Grands Charrons (white wine has been part of the range since 2018) and a Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, which shows that even simpler appellations can shine in the right hands.

Precision Rather Than Dogma

"Precision and finesse" – that's how Sophie formulates the philosophy of the house. No passing trend, no biodynamic fundamentalism, but a clear vision of how Vosne-Romanée should taste. In warm vintages, the two increasingly experiment with whole-bunch fermentation, a technique that preserves freshness and refines the tannins. The wines mature for 12 to 15 months in barrel – classical, without exaggeration in oak usage.

Arnaud brought experience from Provence, where he trained at Domaine Minuty – an unusual path for a Burgundian, but one that broadened his perspective. Sophie, meanwhile, grew up with knowledge of great vineyard sites; her family has managed Premier and Grand Crus for generations. This combination of tradition and openness characterises the house's style.

The New Chai and International Recognition

2023 was not only the year of complete takeover but also the completion of the new chai building below Domaine Anne Gros. A modern winery building that is functionally well-conceived and simultaneously meets the aesthetic standards one expects in Vosne-Romanée. Here, at Place de la Maire 5, the heart of the domaine now beats.

The wines have long attracted international attention. A special honour was bestowed upon them in the Japanese manga "Drops of God", that cult series that has inspired whole generations to love wine. Even in the Côte de Nuits itself, where neighbours like Bruno Clair have set standards for decades, the work of Arnaud and Sophie is perceived with respect.

What distinguishes AS Sirugue-Noëllat is the connection between historical heritage and youthful energy. Here, work is not conducted with nostalgic backward-looking, but neither is it experimental for experiment's sake. The wines taste of their vineyard sites, of Vosne-Romanée, of that Burgundian precision that makes great wines timeless. Whoever opens a bottle of Les Barreaux today does not simply drink wine – they drink history, terroir and the vision of two winemakers who know what heritage they carry.