Originally from Burgundy (though not from a lineage of vignerons), Aurélien Revillon became interested in wine at a relatively young age, and made the decision to study it relatively early on. After receiving his agricultural engineering degree in Dijon in 2006, he acquired an enology diploma just two years later. He cut his winemaking teeth while working internships in Oregon, South Africa, Alsace, and numerous places around Burgundy, even at the renowned Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Upon returning to France in 2009, Aurélien set out to pursue a number of opportunities in the Loire Valley. It was here that he ultimately landed a vineyard and cellar management gig at Domaine de la Chevalerie—and also fell upon the chance to acquire a few hectares of vines to begin his own project.
At just 32 years old, Aurélien began by vinifying just 200 cases of wine in Bourgueil back in 2012. The following year, he was able to add a .30-hectare plot in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, as well as a 0.60-hectare plot in Bourgueil Les Aubuis to his lineup, with a small plot in Bourgueil Grand Mont following in 2014. Since his early days, Aurélien has been a fervent believer in organic and biodynamic farming, although he is not certified in the latter.
Similar to the pioneering Loire winemakers Charles Joguet and Pierre Breton, Aurélien believes that Cabernet Franc should be vinified with a site-specific nature, similar to the way Burgundians vinify Pinot Noir. Although the sub-areas of Bourgeuil are far less celebrated than those of the Côte d’Or, the unique nuances that they bring to the bottle merit just as much attention. While Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil has long been known for its modest tannins and solid structure, Revillon’s expressions are more silky, pure, and perfumed examples of what Cabernet Franc from this unique corner of the world can do.
