The 2023 Roc Breïa Pinot Noir is a beautifully pure and finely detailed Pinot Noir from the ambitious Mâconnais project of Théo Dancer, son of the celebrated Vincent Dancer. Produced from organically farmed vineyards in Bray — one of the coolest and latest-ripening sectors of the Mâconnais — the wine reflects a meticulous low-intervention philosophy focused on regenerative farming, transparency and freshness. The Pinot Noir vines, planted between 1970 and 1985 on clay-limestone soils, are farmed with increasing biodynamic influence as Dancer restores vitality to vineyards previously worked conventionally. Vinified with around 50% whole bunches and matured in used 500-litre barrels, the wine preserves remarkable purity and site expression.
The nose reveals wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry layered alongside violet, sweet spice and subtle herbal notes, giving the wine exceptional aromatic lift and finesse. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a finely etched mineral core. Layers of juicy red berry fruit, delicate savoury complexity and chalky freshness are balanced by energetic tension and impressive transparency, finishing long, poised and beautifully persistent. Critics and importers have praised the wine’s elegance and purity, with notes describing it as “wonderfully pure-fruited and elegant” with “terrific length” and excellent freshness.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Roc Breïa Pinot Noir is a superb modern Burgundy Pinot Noir — fresh, mineral and beautifully expressive with outstanding energy and finesse. Perfect with roast chicken, duck, mushroom dishes, charcuterie or classic French bistro cuisine. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2037+.
