Description
Théo Dancer – Burgundy
For those familiar with white Burgundy, the name Vincent Dancer likely rings a bell. If not, it may be because the wines have always had a relatively discreet distribution, often landing in just a handful of discerning cellars. In recent years, white Burgundy has generally split into two stylistic camps: the classic, more structured style — think Leflaive or Ramonet — and the newer school, where reduction is pushed to the edge. Vincent Dancer has long occupied a rare middle ground, achieving a remarkable balance between purity and precision.
His approach stands out for its consistency across the range, from fermentation to aging, with every cuvée receiving equal care. Combined with meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful choices in the cellar, the result is wines that are transparent, terroir-driven, and full of soul.
Today, Vincent’s son Théo Dancer has stepped up to continue this legacy. While he’s taken over the Domaine with great respect for his father’s philosophy, Théo has also launched his own parallel project — a reflection of both continuity and evolution. His labels, reminiscent of the Domaine’s traditional aesthetic, subtly signal innovation while paying homage to the roots that shaped them.
Théo is exploring beyond Burgundy’s classic palette, working with grapes not traditionally associated with the region, such as Savagnin and Pinot Gris, while still producing wines from staples like Aligoté and Gamay. When tasting his cuvées, one feels both the clarity and transparency so emblematic of Dancer wines, as well as the vibrant pulse of a young, inspired winemaker.
Farming & Winemaking Philosophy
Théo’s commitment to sustainable and thoughtful farming is unwavering. Though not all of the vineyards he sources from are certified organic, each one is cultivated with precision and care, following a low-intervention mindset.
In the cellar, the focus is on minimalism and instinct. Théo leans on the deep foundation built with his father, aiming for wines that express their origin with honesty. Indigenous yeasts, no additives, no fining or filtering, no bâtonnage — just a gentle hand guiding the wine. Though his approach is consistent, he adapts subtly — varying vessel types, racking periods, and fermentation dynamics to suit each cuvée’s character.
Théo on the 2023 Vintage
“The 2023 vintage resembled 2022 in terms of heat and drought, though this year brought slightly more rainfall during the summer. This resulted in generous yields throughout Burgundy. That said, managing the harvest timing was crucial to avoid overly ripe wines lacking tension and freshness — qualities essential to our vision.
We harvested relatively early, as usual, to preserve low pH and vibrancy, rather than chasing high alcohol levels.
For me, 2023 represents an important step in refining our understanding of both the vineyards and the grape varieties we work with in the Théo Dancer négociant project. It allowed us to craft wines that are more precise, expressive, and true to our values.
These wines are meant to bring pleasure in their youth, yet possess the depth and energy to evolve beautifully over time.”
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