Yann Durieux - Recrue des Sens

Hautes-Côtes de Nuits - A Radical Voice of Natural Burgundy

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Yann Durieux stands apart in contemporary Burgundy. A former cellar master at Domaine Prieuré Roch, he founded Recrue des Sens in 2010 in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, choosing elevation and marginal terroirs over the established hierarchy of the Côte. His work is not an adaptation of Burgundy’s traditions, but a deliberate shift in perspective. Through a radically natural approach, he crafts Pinot Noirs that prioritise vitality, immediacy, and a form of unfiltered truth. The wines are not shaped, they are revealed.

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Terroirs
The vineyards are located primarily in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, at higher altitudes than the main Côte. These cooler sites, combined with limestone-rich soils, produce wines marked by tension and freshness. The altitude plays a defining role, preserving acidity and slowing ripening, which contributes to the distinctive energy found in the wines.

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Viticulture
The domaine is farmed biodynamically, with a strict commitment to natural practices. No chemical inputs are used. Soils are worked by horse, reinforcing a direct, physical relationship with the vineyard. Yields are naturally low, not by design but as a consequence of this demanding approach. The objective is not optimisation, but authenticity.

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Vinification
Whole cluster fermentation is systematic. Depending on the cuvée, macerations may follow carbonic or semi-carbonic methods, enhancing aromatic lift and fluidity. Fermentations rely exclusively on indigenous yeasts. Sulphur is either not used at all or added in infinitesimal quantities, only when absolutely necessary.

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Élevage
Wines are aged in old barrels or neutral vessels, avoiding any imprint of oak. The duration varies depending on the cuvée and the vintage. There is no fining or filtration, preserving the raw integrity and texture of the wines.

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Style and ageing potential
These are living wines, vibrant and sometimes unsettling in their freedom. The absence of intervention allows for a wide aromatic spectrum, from fresh red fruits to undergrowth and soft spices. Their immediate drinkability is striking, yet the most structured cuvées develop further complexity over five to ten years. They do not follow a fixed trajectory, but evolve organically.

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FAQ
Is he linked to Domaine Prieuré Roch?
He served as cellar master there for several years before founding his own domaine.
Are his wines “natural”?
Yes, with no added sulphur or only minimal, near-homeopathic amounts.

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