Beaune is a village that dates back to the Roman times and archaelogical evidence supports the plantation of vines around the town at that time.
Beaune wines from the northern section tend to be more fruity and those at the southern end are more tannic. Our wines are in the middle section and exhibit a balanced Beaunois style.
2017 thankfully brought a large crop after the frost-affected 2016 vintage which cut yields by more than half, particularly in the whites. Despite the cold winter, there was an abrupt change in March when temperatures rose, sparking budburst and the inevitable threat of April frost damage. Preventative measures limited any significant damage. Flowering in May was successful under near-perfect conditions. Summer had a fine mixture of sun and rain and the grapes raced to maturity with harvest beginning for us on the 2nd of September with the final parcel, Corton Charlemagne, being harvested on September 10th. Sugars were good, generally in the mid 12.5% range and acidities well balanced. We employed a balance of remontage and pigeage for the first time in order to better manage extraction for the reds. For the whites, fermentation began in tank and moved to barrel after a couple of days of progress. Décuvage occurred almost 21 days after harvest and the fermentation temperatures behaved as expected. Malos for the whites were quick and done by Christmas and the reds finished by mid-May. The wines have ended up balanced and charming for the reds, with the whites classics – expressive with tension and long finishes. Yields were just over 40 hl/ha for the reds and 45 hl/ha for the whites. The reds remind us of 2000 and the whites of 2004.
Our 0.63 hectare site fnurturing 45 year old vines is located west of the village up the slope towards 'la montagne' and has iron rich clay soil.
Certain historical documents record that this was "champs de M. Pimonts", the "field of Mr. Pimonts"; others believe the vineyard name means "field at the foot of the hill".
Ideally served at 15 - 16 C/ 59- 61 F, this cheerful wine pairs well with pork and poultry, mussels, shrimp, and roasted chicken and potatoes, as well as grilled asperagus or Brussels sprouts.
It nicely complements regional cheeses including Delice de Bourgogne, Morbier, and Comte.
