Arnaud Baillot Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge 2023

Arnaud Baillot draws this red from the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, the higher, cooler land that rises behind the famous Côte de Beaune slopes. The greater altitude means cooler air and a longer growing season, which holds back ripeness and keeps the wine fresh, light and aromatic rather than dense. The soils are limestone and clay, giving Pinot Noir a clear red-fruit profile and a fine, savoury minerality. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in oak barrels, where the slow exchange of oxygen settles the tannins and adds a light spice without heavy toast. Malolactic conversion softens the natural acidity into a rounder, smoother texture. The colour is an attractive bright ruby. The nose shows raspberry, red cherry and red currant with a touch of rose and damp earth. The palate is light to medium bodied with crisp acidity, supple tannins and a clean, fruit-led finish. This is a Burgundy to drink young and slightly cool. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees. It is a good match for roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.