Raphaëlle Guyot, a graduate of winegrowing and winemaking from Beaune in 2015, is on a mission to revive lost terroirs in Bourgogne. After gaining experience with prestigious domaines like Thibault Liger-Belair, Domaine de la Grange Tiphaine, and Vincent Pinard, she launched her own venture in 2018. Based in her hometown of Puisaye-Forterre in Yonne, which lies between Sancerre and Chablis, her first wine emerged from a previously neglected hectare of Pinot Noir vines in 2019.
In the ensuing years, Guyot expanded her holdings with more Pinot Noir (Robinettes) and planted mass-selected Chardonnay in a 1.75-hectare plot. Currently, she cultivates 3 hectares but aspires to grow this to 6. Her research into historical texts has guided her in identifying promising land that was once home to many vineyards before phylloxera decimated the area.
Guyot practices organic farming and has established new vineyards with a density of 4,500 vines per hectare, which aids the use of cover crops—a challenge with the traditional Burgundian density of 10,000 vines per hectare. She has also opted for a higher fruiting wire at 80 cm, which mitigates frost damage and eases farming. Her winemaking philosophy is rooted in natural methods, with minimal sulfite additions.
Her current offerings include:
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Raphaëlle Guyot Galatée Aligoté 2022: This wine spent a year in tank, showcasing lively mineral notes and finesse with apple and pear fruit, bolstered by spice and acidity. Rating: 91/100.
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Raphaëlle Guyot La Valse Sauvignon Blanc 2022: A floral and textured wine with melon, pear, and citrus notes, enhanced by fine herbal undertones. Rating: 93/100.
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Raphaëlle Guyot Le Baiser Pinot Noir 2022: Bright and sappy with exceptional acidity, it features raspberry and cherry notes, all wrapped in a fine texture. Rating: 94/100.
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Raphaëlle Guyot Les Robinettes Pinot Noir 2022: Aged for 10 months in old barrels, this wine is fine, pure, and chalky with vivid black cherry fruit and raspberry crunch. Rating: 94/100.
You can find her wines through Newcomer Wines.