A Franco-British collaboration explores Pinot Noir in England’s most promising terroir
Domaine Duroché and Danbury Ridge Wine Estate have entered into a partnership that brings together two families united by shared values of precision, place, and innovation. The result will be a limited release of Pinot Noir made at Danbury Ridge, showcasing a carefully selected parcel from one of the estate’s vineyards in the Crouch Valley.
For Duroché, the Crouch Valley offered a terroir both parallel and distinct — a marginal, maritime-influenced climate with a long growing season and slow, even ripening, increasingly reminiscent of historical Burgundy vintages. However, it is the team at Danbury Ridge who, by combining deep local knowledge with precision and commitment, fully unlocks the potential of the region’s distinctive climate and complex geology. This collaboration marks Pierre Duroché’s first winemaking project beyond Gevrey-Chambertin, where his domaine has earned a reputation as one of Burgundy’s most respected.
For Danbury Ridge, the partnership represents a natural progression of its vision and a valuable exchange of expertise, a conversation between old-world tradition and new-world ambition. It affirms the estate’s potential through the perspective of one of Burgundy’s most thoughtful, terroir-focused winemakers, while encouraging shared insight and a deeper understanding of how this unique corner of Essex expresses itself through Pinot Noir.
The wine will be vinified and matured at Danbury Ridge by Pierre Duroché and winemaker Liam Idzikowski, who will oversee the fruit throughout the growing season. Liam brings an intimate understanding of the site and a quietly meticulous approach that has helped establish Danbury Ridge as a benchmark for English still wine. Pierre will travel to Essex in October to join Liam for the harvest and winemaking, allowing them to craft the wine together.
Both embrace a low-intervention approach, viewing their role as one of guidance rather than control, allowing the vineyard and vintage to be expressed.
Though produced in very limited quantities, the cuvée represents a broader convergence of regions, traditions, and philosophies. Above all, it is a celebration of shared passion — for English terroir, for Pinot Noir, and for the commitment to exploring potential.
Flint Wines will exclusively release and distribute the small batch cuvée, with the first wine available from 2028. Allocations will be extremely limited and offered to selected clients.