DAVID RENAUD

Burgundy, France

Sometimes referred to as the red wine of Chablis, Irancy is in the Côte Auxerrois, just north of the Cote d’Or. It is a 100% red wine appellation devoted to the production of Pinot Noir. Unlike other Burgundian AOCs however, a small percentage (no more than 10%) of one other black grape, the lively, tannic, and noble César, is permitted into the blend for wines labeled Irancy.

Located just southwest of the commune of Chablis, Irancy boasts an unusual topography: it lies in the hollow of a valley whose slopes (covered primarily with vines and cherry trees) protect it from harsh weather of its northern climes. Its geographical location, on the right bank of the Yonne River, also provides good moisture from morning mists. Fortuitously the region does claim adequate sunshine for full ripening. Irancy is a natural ampitheater and a unique winegrowing environment.

David Renaud feels that he did not ‘become’ a winemaker, he was, effectively, born one. “From my grandfathers I learned about demand, rigor, and the passion of hard work; these are the values indispensable to my life as a winemaker.” His domaine, which has been in his family for four generations, sits on 11 hectares of vine under Kimmeridgean marl and brown limestone. It unfurls within the best territories in Irancy, Vincelottes and Cravant at altitudes ranging from 150-250 meters. Slopes are southwest exposure.

Like so many winemakers in Burgundy, but very very few in Irancy, Renaud believes in organic viticulture and eschews the use of synthetic fungicide at all costs. He uses only organic pesticides. This allows for the purest rendering of the terroirs of Irancy in his wines. “I like to think of myself as an orchestra conductor,” says Renaud, “who is able to create beautiful compositions thanks to the talented people working with and around me.” He continues: “Without these people wine would not exist, and I would not be a winemaker.”

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