DRC goes online

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has belatedly created an internet site that chronicles the domain’s history, its vineyards, winemaking ethos and vintage reports. The move is in response to fake web pages that contain false or misleading information about the house.

Due to a lack of web presence, several websites purporting to represent the house were reportedly created, leading DRC to deem it necessary to create an official site.

Speaking to Agence France Presse, DRC’s director, Jean-Charles Cuvelier, said: “We often saw information about the domain that was erroneous. It led to the creation of a real site where those interested in the property could find official information.”

The move is unusual as it places the house very much in the public domain. Despite owning parcels of Burgundy’s most prestigious vineyards and commanding some of the region’s highest prices, it is not a property that actively publicises itself.

However, the site is purely informative and Cuvelier made it clear that it was not a commercial venture, adding: “There are no contact details or blog posts, it is exclusively a source of information on dates, sites and vintages.”

Currently only available in French but with an English version on the way, the website can be found at www.romanee-conti.fr

Rupert Millar, 13.01.2011