Vin Noé: The Free-Spirited Wines of Jonathan Purcell

In the heart of Burgundy—a region often defined by tradition and prestige—something refreshingly wild is happening. At the hands of Jonathan Purcell, the man behind Vin Noé, classic terroir is being interpreted through a radically natural lens. His wines are vibrant, untamed, and full of life—exactly what the new wave of natural wine lovers are craving.

From California to Burgundy

Jonathan Purcell didn’t take the typical Burgundian path. Originally from California, Purcell arrived in France with little more than passion, curiosity, and an urge to learn from the ground up. After cutting his teeth with established natural winemakers like Frédéric Cossard, Purcell launched Vin Noé in 2014, making his first vintages in a modest cellar in Auxey-Duresses.

His winemaking ethos? Minimalist, intuitive, and fearless. No added sulfites, wild fermentation, no fining or filtering—just pure juice from exceptional grapes, guided by instinct and experience.

A Natural Philosophy

Vin Noé is a prime example of what happens when a winemaker deeply respects the land but isn't afraid to break the rules. Purcell sources his grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards across Burgundy and Beaujolais, selecting plots that best express the vintage and varietal. His cuvées often feature Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Aligoté—though the style can vary dramatically from year to year.

What unites them is their explosive character. These wines are energetic, often juicy and slightly hazy, with layers of freshness and funk. They’re bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with no added SO₂—a bold choice in a region as exacting as Burgundy.

Cult Following

Vin Noé wines don’t stay on shelves long. With tiny production and growing demand, they’ve developed a near-mythical status among natural wine fans, sommeliers, and independent wine shops. Part of the allure is their unpredictability—each bottle feels like a snapshot of a moment, never quite the same but always honest.

Purcell’s labels also stand out: hand-drawn, quirky, and playful, they reflect the irreverent personality of the wines themselves. Drinking Vin Noé feels like an act of joyful rebellion, a reminder that wine can be both deeply expressive and seriously fun.