Background

A native Burgundian though not from a winemaking family, Aurélien Revillot caught the wine bug at an early age. He first pursued his passion within his home region by completing his agricultural engineering degree in 2006, and then earning his enological diploma in 2008, both in Dijon. During this time, he interned both internationally and domestically, with stages in Mâcon, Auxerre, Oregon, the Languedoc, Alsace, and even the DRC, where he helped vinify and conduct the analyses for the 2007 vintage. Aurélien then moved on to hold positions at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, where he co-managed vinification of the whites, and Newton Johnson in South Africa, where he vinified and also managed the seasonal vineyard team in 2009.

Following his return to France in late 2009, opportunities in the Loire Valley beckoned him to the region. Various vineyard and cellar management stints eventually landed him a lucrative position in the vines and cellars of Domaine de la Chevalerie in Bourgueil. And at 32 years old, when the chance to take on a few hectares of vines in the same appellation presented itself, Aurélien just couldn’t refuse.

Terroir

2012 – He began production with 200 cases of Bourgueil Sur Les Hauts, from 30 to 50 year old vines on a moderate slope of clay-limestone soils.

2013 – 1st vintage for St Nicolas de Bourgueil Le Clos (0.30 ha, planted in 1990 on gravels covering limestone) and Bourgueil Les Aubuis (0.60 ha, planted in the 1980s high on a terraced slope of complex white and yellow limestones mixed with clay, over a Turonien bedrock).

2014 – Debut for Bourgueil Grand Mont, a cool site of clay-limestone soils on the plateau of Benais.

These holdings comprise 7 smaller parcels, all of which Aurélien has worked organically from the start. Though not certified, he also employs biodynamic preparations, including natural tisanes to protect and/or stimulate the vines depending on their needs.

Wines

The Revillot wines are complex in aroma, silky and sultry in texture, and completely transparent in terroir expression. These are bright and crystalline examples of an appellation that can sometimes display more massive, sturdy and structured wines. Aurélien’s reputation is already well-established in France and this is definitely a domaine to watch.