Domaine Gabin et Félix Richoux is the locomotive of Irancy’s exciting evolution, led by brothers Gabin and Félix, who represent the 11th generation of the Richoux winemaking family. Having taken over from their father Thierry in recent years, Gabin and Félix combine respect for centuries-old traditions with a progressive approach that champions the unique identity of Irancy’s vineyards.
Located on the slopes above the Yonne river valley, about 15 km from Chablis, Domaine Richoux operates near the northern limit of red Burgundy’s potential. Historically, Irancy was overshadowed by its more famous neighbors and known for rustic blends that often included the César grape for color. But Gabin and Félix are part of a movement that has transformed Irancy from a curiosity into a distinctive appellation on its own terms.
The Richoux estate comprises 18 hectares, farmed organically since 2013 and tending towards biodynamics. The brothers are deeply committed to reflecting the diverse terroir of Irancy and faithfully expressing the character of each vintage. Manual harvesting, whole cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and extended élevage between 24 and 36 months ensure wines that are fresh, refined, and age-worthy without losing their vibrant fruit and natural balance.
The family’s connection with www.burgundywine.com began with Jean-Claude Richoux, our first Irancy winemaker back in 1984, who emphasized making genuinely great Pinot Noir rather than chasing style trends or other appellations’ reputations. Thierry, his son, honed this vision further, nurturing the vineyards and wines with meticulous care. Today, Gabin and Félix continue this philosophy with passion and precision, making wines that have become synonymous with authentic, elegant Irancy.
Their wines are primarily sold locally or directly at the domaine, often released only when fully mature, embodying the family motto: “If the wine is good, they will come.” This thoughtful approach and quality focus have made Domaine Gabin et Félix Richoux a flagship for Irancy reds and a valued partner of www.burgundywine.com.
Yields are kept to a maximum of 45 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest is a traditional affair with about 30 pickers involved in the manual harvest and related festivities.
Under Thierry’s management, the domain has been seen to be innovative in the region. Total de-stemming, systematic sorting in the cuverie at the moment of the harvest, cellaring of the wines for 3 years before commercialization. The totality of the production has until now been sold at the cellars. 80% of the clientele are private individuals who arrive at the domain by car to taste and stock their cellars.
Thierry believes that color and body should not be obtained to the detriment of elegance. Long macerations do not necessarily bring anything extra to Pinot, he says. For this reason, Richoux wines are noted as round, fine, pure and fresh in the nose, and with a good aging potential. They have a fruity vivacity in the mouth. The wines are raised for three years — the first in stainless steel tanks, the second in oak barrels — and they are then bottled and left to develop another year before being put on sale.
