Jean-Pierre Robinot: A Visionary of Natural Wine
Jean-Pierre Robinot stands as a revered figure in the world of natural wine, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions and unique character. My first encounter with him was as striking as his reputation—dressed like a circus performer at a salon in Alsace, he immediately captured my attention, embodying the vibrant, unconventional spirit of the natural wine movement.
A Journey from Paris to the Loire Valley
Robinot's story begins in the heart of the Loire Valley, in the southern Sarthe region where he was born and raised. His passion for wine took root in Paris, where he founded Les Vignes de l'Ange Vin, a pioneering natural wine bar that he ran for 15 years. This establishment became a haven for luminaries of the natural wine world, including Marcel Lapierre, Pierre Overnoy, Jacques Néauport, and Jean-Jacques Morel.
Robinot championed "zero wines," those crafted without sulfates or additives, preserving their pure, unadulterated essence. His work at L'Ange Vin played a pivotal role in elevating the visibility and credibility of natural wines.
The Return to His Roots
Despite his success in Paris, Robinot longed to create his own wines. In 2001, he returned to his native village of Chahaignes to pursue his dream of becoming a vigneron. He acquired vineyards featuring exceptional terroirs, with soils rich in yellow clay, flint, and limestone. These conditions were perfect for cultivating Chenin Blanc and Pineau d'Aunis, grape varieties emblematic of the Loire Valley.
Robinot released his first vintage in 2002, marking the beginning of his journey as a winemaker. His wines reflect not only the unique characteristics of the Loire terroir but also his uncompromising dedication to natural winemaking principles.
L'Opéra du Vin: A Parallel Venture
In addition to producing his own wines, Robinot founded a trading operation known as L'Opéra du Vin. Through this initiative, he vinifies grapes sourced from local winemakers, further showcasing his mastery and commitment to natural winemaking.
Legacy and Influence
Jean-Pierre Robinot's work bridges tradition and innovation, highlighting the beauty of natural wine in its purest form. From the streets of Paris to the vineyards of Chahaignes, his journey has been one of passion, creativity, and an unwavering respect for nature. Today, his name is synonymous with authenticity and excellence in the world of wine.
-
Online Retailers/Importers with Broad International Reach:
Petites Caves (France-based, offers international shipping, lists Jean-Pierre Robinot as a winemaker) - https://www.petitescaves.com/a/l/en/collections/vigneron-jean-pierre-robinot
Primal Wine (Online natural wine store) - https://primalwine.com/ (You may need to search for "Jean-Pierre Robinot" on their site)
Lieu-Dit (Denmark-based, ships internationally) - https://lieu-dit.dk/en/producent/jean-pierre-robinot-en/
OFF GRID (Germany-based, ships internationally to most EU countries) - https://offgrid.wine/collections/jean-pierre-robinot
Notable Retailers/Distributors by Region:
United States:
Wine.com (Online retailer with a wide selection, though specific Robinot wines may vary) - https://www.wine.com/list/wine/jean-pierre-robinot/7155-118912
Franklin Wines & Spirits (Brooklyn, NY) - https://608franklinwines.com/shop/product/jean-pierre-robinot-nocturne/67806cee50f92a01851a3373
Warehouse Wines & Spirits (New York) - https://warehousewinesandspirits.com/shop/product/marcel-lapierre-morgon/565d072269702d7233070000?option-id=cbe8e4f47cfd67cc7b05b0a6633f02a835492f7dc56481fa87e0b3497f964d09 (While the link shows Marcel Lapierre, they are known for natural wines and may carry Robinot.)
Point Wine & Spirits - https://pointwineandspirits.com/products/red-wine-sarl-marcel-lapierre-morgon (Similar to above, worth checking for Robinot.)
Many independent natural wine shops throughout major US cities often carry his allocations.
United Kingdom:
SipWines Shop - https://sipwines.shop/collections/jean-pierre-robinot
Wayward Wines - https://waywardwines.co.uk/products/jean-pierre-robinot-liris (Check their site for other Robinot wines)
The Sipster - https://thesipster.co.uk/product/marcel-lapierre-morgon/ (Again, known for natural wines, worth exploring for Robinot.)
France:
IDealwine France (Auction site with retail options) - https://www.idealwine.com/en/buy-a-wine/2494991-1-bottle-Vin-de-France-Nocturne-Jean-Pierre-Robinot-2021-Red
Wineyou.it (Italian retailer with a focus on French natural wines, including Robinot) - https://wineyou.it/en/brand/498-jean-pierre-robinot
Germany:
Vinatis Germany (Online retailer) - https://www.vinatis.com/76535-cuvee-marcel-lapierre-mmxxiv-2024-marcel-lapierre (While the link is for Lapierre, Vinatis is a large retailer that might carry Robinot. Search on their site.)
Marée Haute - https://www.mareehaute.vin/en-gb/collections/jean-pierre-robinot
vinello.de - https://www.vinello.de/en/marcel-lapierre (Similar to Vinatis, check their site for Robinot.)
weinzentrale.de - https://www.weinzentrale.de/Morgon/04349 (Another general wine retailer that may carry natural wines like Robinot.)
Italy:
Grandi Bottiglie - https://www.grandibottiglie.com/en/produttore/robinot.html
Wivood - https://wivood.com/en/collections/jean-pierre-robinot
Rolling Wine - https://www.rollingwine.com/en/producers/1909-domaine-marcel-lapierre.html (While the link is for Lapierre, Rolling Wine specializes in natural wines and may have Robinot.)
Hong Kong:
Gourmet Hunters - https://www.gourmethunters.hk/en/L'Ange+Vin+Lumi%C3%A8re+de+Silex+2022
Cote d'Or Fine Wines - https://cotedorfinewines.com/product-category/hk-stock/?filter_location=hk-stock&filter_producer=jean-pierre-robinot
Cru World Wine (Has a Hong Kong office) - https://cn.cruworldwine.com/producers/marcel-lapierre/ (Though the link is for Lapierre, they are a large fine wine merchant that may carry Robinot.)
The Fine Wine Experience - https://www.finewineexperience.com/agency/domaine-marcel-lapierre/ (Similar to Cru World Wine, worth checking for Robinot.)