Roc Breïa 2022 by Théo Dancer

Théo Dancer is one of the new stars of Burgundy. His father Vincent enjoyed increasing popularity, but when Théo took over the estate in 2020 there was a change of gears in the implementation of new viticultural and vinification choices.

Théo is very young, 23; but he is a strong and confident guy who has a clear idea of what he wants and an inventive plan to expand the domaine structure with negoce wines and sub-domaines.

The estate structure

Théo Dancer’s production can be split into the following categories:

• Domaine Vincent Dancer – white domaine wines
• Domaine Vincent Dancer – red domaine wines
• Théo Dancer Roc Breïa – chardonnay and pinot noir made from vines owned partly by the Dancers, but with outside investors (this article)
• Théo Dancer negociant – wine from other, purchased grapes, including Savagnin and Grenache

So let’s taste the ’22 Roc Breïa from the Maconnais.

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The Roc Breïa estate

Roc Breïa is an important project for Theo Dancer and his investors, and expands the Chassagne-based production significantly with some wines from the Maconnais.

Roc Breïa, a newly founded, 10-hectare estate, owns vineyards in conversion towards modern, organic viticulture – a clean slate for Theo’s new wines. The estate includes both chardonnay and pinot noir; the chardonnay coming from 60+-year-old vines, and the pinot Noir from vines 35 years or older.

It is exciting to be able to follow this estate from its beginnings.

Theo Dancer Roc Breïa Blanc 2022

The white Roc Breïa 2022 is a deep, intense wine, slightly reduced, but made in a more easy-drinking style than the estate wines. I sometimes have issues with the Macon expression of chardonnay, but this has good liveliness and none of the slight flatness found in some white Macons. A really good start for Theo.

(Drink From 2024) – Very Good – (88p) –  

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Theo Dancer Roc Breïa Rouge 2022

The Ric Breïa rouge (pinot noir) is a more robust and tannic wine than the light-footed estate wines from the Côte de Beaune. It has good energy and intensity, and is a Burgundy for food and enjoyment; its medium density will accompany most dishes. This has good hedonistic qualities, although it ideally should be cellared for a few years. A new style of wine that I welcome for my Chicken Gaston Gérard.

(Drink From 2026) – Very Good – (88p) –  

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