Founded in 2010 by Yann Durieux, Domaine Recrue des Sens has become one of Burgundy’s most admired names among natural wine enthusiasts. Before establishing his own domaine, Durieux spent more than a decade working as vineyard manager and winemaker at the legendary Domaine Prieuré Roch in Nuits-Saint-Georges, where he developed a deep commitment to biodynamic farming, minimal intervention and pure expressions of terroir. After returning to his family’s vineyards near Messanges in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, he began producing tiny quantities of highly sought-after wines with a philosophy centred on living soils, old vines and allowing each vineyard to express itself without heavy cellar manipulation.

“Love and Pif” is Yann Durieux’s interpretation of Aligoté, a grape variety historically considered Burgundy’s everyday white grape but increasingly recognised for its ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines when planted in suitable terroirs. The playful name reflects Durieux’s personality and his passion for natural wine culture, while the wine itself demonstrates his belief that Aligoté can achieve the same level of attention and refinement traditionally reserved for Chardonnay. The fruit comes from mature vines grown in the cooler elevated sites of the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, where limestone soils and higher altitude contribute freshness, minerality and aromatic precision.

The 2021 Yann Durieux Recrue des Sens Love and Pif is made from 100% Aligoté. The vines are farmed biodynamically, with a focus on natural vineyard health and minimal intervention. The wine is produced without added sulphur or fining agents and is bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural texture and energy. The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by a challenging growing season with lower yields, but many successful producers achieved wines of remarkable freshness, elegance and transparency.

The 2021 Love and Pif showcases the purity of Aligoté with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, lime, nectarine and subtle saline notes. The palate is vibrant and precise, combining crisp acidity with a surprisingly rich texture. Layers of citrus, orchard fruit, mineral tones and a gentle savoury character create a wine that is both refreshing and complex. Rather than being simply sharp and linear, this is a more serious interpretation of Aligoté, offering depth, length and the kind of energy often associated with fine Jura whites or top Burgundy Chardonnay.