Spotlight on France Part II: Burgundy

It is often said that Bordeaux speaks to the mind and Burgundy sings to the heart. Wine’s greatest heights have been achieved by the almighty Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The heart of Burgundy is the Côte d’Or which is divided into two areas. The Côte de Beaune, in the south, is famous for its white wines and the Côte de Nuits, in the north, produces some of the most sought after red wines. The soil from this region is so revered that folklore has it that after a rainfall farmers are waiting at the bottom of the hill to transport the earth to its original spot up on top.

Unlike Bordeaux, where a Château can have over a hundred acres, Burgundian vineyards are divided between different growers, and even sometimes between different family members, each with their own winemaking philosophies. Let's have a closer look at wines from the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits.

Domaine Charles Père et Fille

This estate is located in Nantoux, right in the heart of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. The first vines were planted in the 1900s. The owner of this estate, François Charles, acquired vines in Volnay, Pommard, Meursault and Beaune and began production in the 1960s before passing the winery down to his son Pascal. Today Pascal is joined by his daughter Pauline. Her passion and energy has taken her family’s estate to a new level of quality and production.

2021 Bourgogne Chardonnay

This is an archetype of classic white Burgundy. The wine spends 12 months in old oak barrels. Baked apple pastry and crushed stones on the nose with a toasty, nutty and slightly buttery finish.

2022 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 'Vieille Vignes' Pinot Noir

Made from an average of 50 year old vines. 35% whole cluster fermentation then the wine spends 12 months in oak. Bright purple colour leads to a nose of blueberries, violets and a hint of earth. Medium weight with bright and silky tannins.

2022 Volnay 1er Cru 'Les Fremiets'

From a 0.70 hectare plot of 30 year old vines. Vibrant purple with a garnet hue. Fresh dark cherry and spice leap from the glass. Notes of chocolate and rose petals add great complexity. Again tannins are pure and smooth. With a little age we should see the fruit intertwine with earth developing and knockout wine. A vin de garde of which only 3000 bottles were produced.

Domaine Maurice Gavignet

This estate was founded by Honoré Gavignet, a winegrower at the fabled Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Passionate about his own land, Honoré set up shop in Nuits-St-Georges. The estate has been passed along for four generations and now great-grandson Arnaud is taking the reins. Viticulture follows the “culture raisonée” method which means the vines are treated with the utmost respect to nature and are all hand harvested.

2022 Savigny-Les-Beaune 'Les Liards'

From a small plot of vines with clay and limestone soils. Always hand harvested, the grapes are 100% destemmed and placed into vats for fermentation with the cap being punched down once a day. The wines are then transferred to oak barrels of which 20% are new, for 15 months. Wonderfully pure Pinot Noir aromas of stewy strawberries, hint of spice and fresh flowers. This wine is all about texture as the wine is smooth as silk. Not a heavyweight but rather palate comforting pillow of soft red fruit down filled with fresh pulled herbs.

2022 Nuits-St-Georges

Similar winemaking to the Savigny except the new oak increases to 25% for 16 months. The wine can handle it and does not come across woody or overripe. The nose shows off of a dark berry note with more intensity and depth. Tannins are firmer and there is a spicy, dusty earth and roasted meat character. Medium to full bodied with all the right ingredients now but showing promise to age gracefully. All the elements to become a classic!

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