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.
Rich in premier cru designation, some 75% of the cultivation boasts this status.
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.
This is one of our premier cru white wines and comes from a vineyard that also produces excellent red premier cru wines.
We farm 0.34 hectare on vines that average 25 years of age.
Ideally served at 12 C/ 54 F, this wine pairs beautifully with mild fishes, such as halibut, salmon, or cod, or simply prepared chicken or quail as well as with quice or vegetable tarts, mushroom souffles, and mild cheeses such as Brie, Morbier, or Cantal.
