Richardot Père & Fils

One family, four generations

The house of Richardot Père & Fils is based in Loches-sur-Ource in the Aube département, in the middle of the Côte des Bar. The story begins in 1946: Jean Richardot founds a wine estate in Essoyes and also offers a pressing service to neighbouring growers. He hands over to his nephew Jackie, at the time a blacksmith by trade, who expands the pressing business until the site in Essoyes becomes too small. The first bottles under the Richardot name go on sale in 1988. The managing director today is Jean-Paul Richardot. The house's website names four generations, from Jean through Jackie and Jean-Paul to Eugène, Augustin and Emma.

Vines and cellar

The house farms 12 hectares of vines in the Côte des Bar, within a radius of 6 kilometres of the cellar, mostly around Essoyes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown. Gault&Millau describes the cuvées as shaped by Pinot Noir. According to an older portrait, about 90 per cent of the vineyard area faces south, and the musts are vinified separately by parcel. Two foudres give some of the champagnes a touch of wood. The estate is certified as an Exploitation de haute valeur environnementale (HVE).

The range includes Tradition, Rosé, Cuvée Prestige, the vintage cuvée Héritage, Noir Nature and Blanc de Blancs. The Cuvée Prestige is made from 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay. According to the older portrait, it ages for 36 months in the cellar.

Visiting and tasting

The reception, press house and winemaking rooms are in Loches-sur-Ource, while the vineyards lie mostly in Essoyes. The village is well known because Renoir so loved painting the river Ource there. According to the house, there are vaulted cellars in the old style, an exhibition of old winegrowing tools and a tasting room with panoramic views.

Tastings and cellar visits are possible. According to the directory, the house is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm. It is advisable to book by phone on +33 3 25 29 71 20.