Domaine Raphael Sallet

The family estate of Raphael & Marylène Sallet is located in Uchizy, in the charming village of Saône-et-Loire in Southern Burgundy (10km South of Tournus and 20 km North of Mâcon).

At 260m (683 feet) above sea level, the vineyard benefits from a southeastern exposure and temperate climate. Overlooking the valley of the Saône, on stony slopes composed of sweet, rich limestone and clay, people say this is the beginning of Provence, featuring Roman tiles, with the hot winds of the Rhone Valley crossing Lyon, going up the Saône and reaching all the way to Tournus. The estate vineyards stretch between the villages of Uchizy, Plottes and Chardonnay, which is historically the cradle of the famous grape of the same name.

Coming from a family of winemakers, from an early age, Raphael Sallet was always alongside his father Gérard, passionate for the work of the vine.

While his father sold grapes to a local Cooperative, Raphael’s vision was to produce his own wine; carefully overseeing the whole process: the cultivation of vines, wine making, and culminating in the sale of the bottle. So in 1986, at the age of 21, he created his own domain with the acquisition of 0.40 acres of vineyards and a small plantation. Harvesting and wine making followed, producing his first vintage in 1987! For several years he purchased additional small plots. In 1992, Marylène, now his wife, joined the family to support the daily management of the business which allowed Raphael to devote himself to his work: the vine and winemaking. In 1994, Raphael’s father Gerard ceased selling to the cooperative and joined Raphael’s venture.

Fast forward to today, the family produces wines from several key appellations: Mâcon Uchizy, Mâcon Chardonnay, Mâcon and Viré-Clessé.