Arnaud Baillot Bourgogne La Montagne 2022

Arnaud Baillot produces this Bourgogne Rouge from Pinot Noir, the red grape of Burgundy, farmed under respectful, sustainable agriculture. As a regional appellation it draws on vineyards across the wider Burgundy area, where limestone and clay soils and a cool continental climate give Pinot Noir its characteristic lightness, red fruit and fresh acidity. The thin-skinned grape ripens slowly here, building aroma and delicacy rather than weight. This 2022 spent twelve months in oak barrels, the wood adding a little structure and spice while gentle oxygen exchange softens the tannin and rounds the texture, the restrained ageing keeping the fruit clear. The colour is bright, pale ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry, strawberry and red currant over an earthy, lightly spiced base. The palate is light to medium bodied, with soft, fine tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury, earthy finish. At 13.5 percent it is an approachable, food-friendly Burgundy. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees with roast chicken, duck or mushroom dishes.