Robert Barbichon

Robert Barbichon is one of a handful of the new breed of biodynamic producers who appears to have got it. With 9 hectares of vines in Gye sur Seine, Courteron and Celles sur Ource he produces wines of exceptional clarity, structure and intensity.

Run by Thomas all 9 hectares are biodynamic of which 40 ares are Pinot Blanc. 2.63 hectares are sold off to A. Bonnet in Les Riceys. All his Cuvees are vintage except ‘Reserve 4 Cepage’.

Extra Brut, a zero dosage wine, is the perfect wine to show this seriousness. 100% Chardonnay, it is bracing yet with superb structure and a bold palate.

His Blanc de Blancs Brut has surprise addition of Pinot Blanc (10%) and 4g/ltr of sugar to produce an even more powerful wine with beautiful acidity and salinity. There is even a touch of the exotic in it’s fruit.

The Reserve 4 Cepages is a Pinot Noir heavy (70%) bland with Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Blanc. There is a noticeable lift in red fruit and more opulence and generosity on the palate which it delivers beautifully alongside a delicate bitter note.

Layers of aromatics are delivered in the Blanc de Noirs. There is a lovely weight of fruit too but nowhere as near to the level of power as the Blanc de Blancs.

His Rose de Saignee undergoes 48 hours of maceration to produce a succulent palate full of blackberry, damson and grenadine. There is a touch of strawberry and spice and a faint earthy note. A single parcel wine from Gye sur Seine that shows you just how serious a producer he is.

Keep an eye on this man. He is doing some impressive things..