La Famille Jeannot
Passionate winegrowers for over two hundred years. Established since 1923 at Domaine de Riaux in the commune of Saint-Andelain, we cultivate vines in the Pouilly-Fumé AOC appellation as well as the Pouilly-sur-Loire AOC. Today, Alexis and Bertrand Jeannot are the eighth and seventh generations at the helm of this vineyard, which covers more than 16 hectares.
Eight generations of passion for wine
The history of Domaine de Riaux is above all that of a family deeply rooted in the Loire region. For over 200 years, the Jeannot family has passed down from father to son a passion for wine, respect for the vineyard and a love for an exceptional terroir.
In 1923, just outside the village of Saint-Andelain, the family settled permanently in a place called “Riaux”, giving its name to the estate. At that time, the work was hard, mainly manual, and the first vintages of Pouilly-Fumé were produced in a 16th-century building, originally a sheepfold, which was converted into a cellar.
A living legacy
Over the generations, the estate has undergone constant change, adapting to technical and environmental developments without ever losing sight of its core identity. Each generation has contributed to its development, expanding the vineyards, modernising the facilities and raising the profile of the wines both nationally and internationally.
Today, Bertrand Jeannot, representing the 7th generation, works alongside his son Alexis, an 8th generation winemaker. Both are graduates of the renowned Lycée Viticole de Beaune (nicknamed “La Viti” by those in the know…). Together, they continue the traditions inherited from their elders while breathing new life into the estate: a gradual shift from purely manual cultivation to mechanical practices, exclusive bottled sales, and a move away from traditional vinification in wooden barrels and vats towards the use of 100% thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, which offer greater precision. Driven by constant research, they maintain a clear-eyed view of the sometimes uncertain future of this exciting yet demanding profession.
Bertrand Jeannot
Born in 1947 on the Domaine de Riaux estate, he knew from an early age that he wanted to take over the estate. Bertrand spent his youth immersed in this wine-growing and agricultural atmosphere, for him, vines, wine and land cultivation were a natural choice.
In 1960, he enrolled at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune for two years of practical training, before returning to the estate in 1963, where he officially began his professional career, a career he continues today with the same passion.
This curious and handyman has always had the desire to look further. He has seen viticulture evolve, from the work done on horseback in his childhood to the arrival of the first tractor on the estate in 1961, just before he joined. They were among the first in the region to acquire a tractor for working the vines. He has been able to keep pace with these changes while remaining faithful to the spirit of the family estate, which he continues to uphold today alongside his son.
Alexis Jeannot
Although raised among vineyards from birth, Alexis discovered his passion for viticulture when he arrived at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune. First obtaining a Professional Certificate in 1988, then an Agricultural Technician Certificate in 1992, Alexis gradually discovered this new profession that fascinated him.
He then left for 10 months of military service, an experience he loved and which will remain with him forever. After his first professional experience in Champagne in 1994, he wanted to diversify his learning and left for a 6-month internship at Domaine de La Meulière in Chablis.
Ready for a new adventure, Alexis officially moved to Domaine de Riaux in May 1995 with the aim of selling 100% of his wine in bottles.
Frise chronologique du Domaine de Riaux
17th Century
The first Jeannot winegrowers in the commune of Pouilly-sur-Loire. The second generation established their estate in the hamlet of Les Berthiers (in the commune of St Andelain) to diversify their production. A passion for winegrowing was born and passed down through the generations
1789
Yes, the storming of the Bastille, but also the wedding of Barthélemy Jeannot, a winegrower in Les Berthiers, in the Church of St Andelain. This date marks the beginning of a great intergenerational adventure in the commune of Saint Andelain.
Mid-19th century
The name Jeannot can be found in Soumard, still working in the vineyards in the commune of St Andelain.
1923
Alexis Jeannot’s great-grandfather purchases the Domaine de Riaux, previously owned by the nobility.
1946
The Jeannot family officially settled in Riaux and remained there permanently.
1963
Bertrand Jeannot, who had been interested in the business since childhood, took over from his father, Jean Jeannot.
1995
Arrival of the eighth generation with Alexis Jeannot, who works alongside his father, Bertrand.
2014
Construction of a new cellar to expand production and make work more efficient, more precise and in keeping with the times: working in better conditions with more modern equipment.
2000s-present day
Development of the first bottle vinifications. The estate begins to market its wines differently. Development of its international presence, focus on sustainable and precise viticulture. Recognised in various specialist guides: Guide Hachette des Vins, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Searcher, etc.
However, this expertise, passed down from generation to generation, is not acquired solely through the transfer of knowledge, but also thanks to the richness of our region. Discover the work of our lands that nourish this connection at Our Vines.