Charlopin Tissier
- country
- Germany
- region
- Palatinate
- vineyard area
- 32 ha
- Floor
- Yellow & colorful sandstone, loess clay
- Grape varieties
- Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
- Management
- Biodynamic
The wines of Domaine Charlopin-Tissier are true specialties and rarities. The emerging winery, founded in 2013 with a modest vineyard area of just 1.08 hectares, is the result of the passion of husband and wife Yann Charlopin and Justine Tissier, who met while studying viticulture. The young couple's property now covers just over 4 hectares in renowned appellations in Bourgogne Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits-Villages, Marsannay, Aloxe-Corton, Gevrey Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Vosne Romanée and Pernand -Forgetless. Marsannay and the surrounding area form the core of the portfolio. What was previously viewed as inferior and often too cold is benefiting immensely from the changing climate.
After studying wine in Beaune and winemaking experiences in Tasmania, Sancerre and Chablis, Yann Charlopin returned to work with his famous father, winemaker Philippe Charlopin. Philippe still worked very conventionally. When the opportunity arose to purchase some vines from Justine's family in Marsannay and Yann had a clear vision for the wines he wanted to create, he took the plunge into self-employment. With the support of Jean-Marie Fourrier, Yann and Justine eventually purchased Domaine David Clarke in Morey-Saint-Denis.
The vineyards are farmed manually and organically, but are not certified organic. The main focus is on the Pinot Noir. After the harvest, the grapes are completely destemmed, fermented on the mash for a particularly long and cool time and fermented with natural yeasts. The wine is only racked once and the coarse yeast is removed, as Yann favors an extended, slow mashing time on the fine yeast. The wines are aged for 12 to 24 months in 228 liter barriques, predominantly from the Burgundian Tonnellerie Francois Freres, with a proportion of 20 to 30% new wood. The subtle wood aroma is always elegantly integrated and supporting, never intrusive. The wine style is classic and timeless, they develop slowly but steadily and require a lot of air and time before they fully show their splendour. Inspired by the grace and finesse of his mentor Jean-Marie Fourrier, they embody pure elegance. Tasting guru Christopher Raffelt recommends opening the wines a day in advance; they simply need time and air.