Dard et Ribo

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Dard et Ribo 〰️

Dard et Ribo: A Landmark in Natural Rhône Wines

Since the 1980s, Dard et Ribo has stood at the forefront of natural wine production in the Northern Rhône, becoming a reference for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Renowned for their exceptional wines from the prestigious appellations of Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage, the estate’s vineyards are located on the region's finest terroirs, including the granitic soils of Mauves, Tournon, and Saint-Jean de Muzols, as well as some coveted parcels in Hermitage.

The domaine, run by René-Jean Dard and François Ribo, spans 8.5 hectares and embraces a philosophy of producing wines without any chemical inputs, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. This commitment results in wines that are not only a joy to drink young but are also capable of aging gracefully for many years.

Dard et Ribo’s reds, made primarily from Syrah, are known for their balance, freshness, and finesse. But it is their whites that truly set them apart. Comprising 35% of their total production—a rarity in the region—these whites, made from varieties like Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier, captivate with their vibrant freshness and complexity. Their ability to charm even the most discerning palates has made them a standout in the Rhône Valley.

Whether enjoyed immediately or cellared for years, Dard et Ribo’s wines promise a sensory experience that goes beyond the ordinary, making them a must-try for natural wine enthusiasts and Rhône aficionados alike.

 

Where to Find Dard et Ribo Wines

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Dard et Ribo" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices. Given their cult status, availability is often sporadic.
MORE Natural Wine (Online, Europe Shipping) A leading online natural wine shop that frequently features Dard et Ribo's releases.
RAW Wine (Producer Profile & Online Marketplace) Dard et Ribo is a featured producer on RAW Wine. Their profile often links to online retailers and distributors within the RAW Wine network.
Marée Haute (Online, France & Europe) A French online natural wine shop that often carries a selection of Dard et Ribo wines.
Vinaturel (Online, Germany & Europe) A prominent German online retailer specializing in natural wines, which may list Dard et Ribo wines when available.
Tannico (Online, UK & Europe Shipping) An online retailer with a presence in the UK and Europe that often lists Dard et Ribo's range.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)

  • **France (Northern Rhône & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Dard et Ribo is located in Mercurol. Direct purchases are typically limited due to high demand.
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Natural Wine Bars:** Look for high-end, independent wine shops and natural wine bars throughout the Rhône Valley (e.g., Lyon, Valence) and in major French cities (e.g., Paris).
  • **United States:**
    • **Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant (US Importer):** A highly regarded and long-standing importer for Dard et Ribo in the US. Many top retailers receive allocations via Kermit Lynch.
    • **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** A renowned wine shop in New York City with an exceptional natural wine and Northern Rhône selection that frequently receives Dard et Ribo.
    • **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC / SF):** A leading retailer with locations in New York and San Francisco, known for its curated natural wine selection and often stocking Dard et Ribo.
    • **Domaine LA (Los Angeles, CA):** A respected natural wine shop in Los Angeles that features Dard et Ribo's wines.
    • **Other Top Natural Wine Retailers:** Seek out independent, quality-focused wine shops in major US cities (e.g., Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin, Washington D.C.) that specialize in natural or cult French producers.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer & Online Store):** A major importer of natural wines into the UK, and often the primary source for Dard et Ribo.
    • **The Good Wine Shop (UK Retailer):** Has carried Dard et Ribo wines.
    • *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and Northern Rhône wines.*
  • **Germany:**
    • **Vinaturel (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a reliable online source for Dard et Ribo in Germany.
    • **8greenbottles (Online, Germany):** Another dedicated natural wine online shop that features Dard et Ribo.
    • *Look for specialized wine shops ("Weinhandlungen") in German cities with a focus on natural French wines.*
  • **Canada:**
    • **Oenopole (Quebec, Canada Importer):** A highly regarded natural wine importer in Quebec that represents Dard et Ribo.
    • **Vino Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada):** An importer and retailer that carries Dard et Ribo wines, though allocations are very limited.
    • *Due to limited supply, Dard et Ribo wines can be difficult to find in Canada. Check with specialized private wine shops (where permitted) or provincial liquor boards/agencies (e.g., SAQ in Quebec, LCBO in Ontario for Vintages releases) that focus on natural and artisanal Northern Rhône wines in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
    • **Temple Cellars (Singapore):** An online and physical retailer in Singapore that has stocked Dard et Ribo wines.
    • *Dard et Ribo wines are highly regarded in natural wine circles globally, including Asia. Look for high-end importers and fine wine retailers specializing in cult natural wines in these key Asian markets (e.g., Tokyo, Hong Kong).*

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemakers:** René-Jean Dard and François Ribo.
**Location:** Mercurol, Northern Rhône Valley, France.
**Philosophy: Biodynamic/Organic Viticulture & Zero-Sulphur Winemaking:** Founded in 1984, Dard et Ribo are pioneers of natural winemaking in the Northern Rhône. Their 9 hectares are farmed organically and biodynamically, with extreme care to maintain soil health and biodiversity. In the cellar: Grapes are hand-harvested, often 90% destemmed (though some whole cluster is used), and ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Macerations are gentle and can be extended. Critically, wines are bottled **unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfur** at any stage. Aging takes place in old wooden barrels (often larger demi-muids) to allow slow evolution without oak influence. Their approach prioritizes purity, freshness, and authentic expression of terroir.
**Vineyards:** Approximately 9 hectares across several parcels in the Northern Rhône, including Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph. Soils are predominantly granite, schist, and alluvial deposits.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Syrah (red); Marsanne, Roussanne (white).
**Signature Wines (Examples - highly allocated):**
  • **Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 'C'est le Printemps':** A vibrant, fruit-forward Syrah designed for earlier drinking, released in spring.
  • **Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 'Les Rouges':** A more classic expression of Crozes-Hermitage Syrah, often with depth and structure.
  • **Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 'Les Pins':** Another single-vineyard Crozes-Hermitage red.
  • **Crozes-Hermitage Blanc:** Their white wine, typically Marsanne-dominant, known for its richness and minerality.
  • **Hermitage Rouge:** Their most prestigious (and rarest) red, from Hermitage hill, known for its power, complexity, and longevity.
  • **Saint-Joseph Rouge:** A Syrah from the Saint-Joseph appellation, offering elegance and savory notes.
  • **Saint-Joseph Blanc 'Les Champs' / 'Les Opateyres':** White wines from Saint-Joseph, often Roussanne-dominant, showing freshness and texture.
  • **Vin de France:** Occasional experimental or blended cuvées.
Wines are classified under Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC, Saint-Joseph AOC, and sometimes Vin de France.
**Production:** Artisanal and extremely limited, with very high demand globally.
**Style:** Pure, intense, and profoundly expressive wines. Their reds showcase ripe dark fruit, savory notes, and fine tannins, while whites are rich, aromatic, and mineral-driven. All exhibit remarkable freshness and a palpable sense of place, defining the benchmark for natural Northern Rhône.