Born and bred in Marsannay, but not from a winemaking family, Sylvain had to start from scratch when he wanted a domaine of his own. He went to wine school in Beaune at the age of just 14 and then to wine university in Bordeaux in order to become a winemaker. 

The tradition of rosé wine in Marsannay dates back 1919, following the war, the idea was to create 'un vin de fête' to revive business. Sylvain’s outstanding rosé is made from 50-90 year old Pinot Noir and Pinot Beurot (the Burgundian strain of Pinot Gris). The vines are planted in rocky white marls, from limestone-heavy terroirs usually dedicated to white grapes (Charmes aux Prêtres, Champ Forey), helping to confer a texture that is more typical of a white wine.