Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château Premier Cru 2022

Bouchard Pere & Fils is one of the oldest houses in Burgundy and owns a wide range of premier cru sites around the town of Beaune in the Cote-d'Or. This Beaune du Chateau Premier Cru is a Pinot Noir blended from several of those cru parcels. The Cote-d'Or's limestone and marl slopes are the classic home of Pinot Noir: the well-drained calcareous soils and the cool continental climate give the grape its fine tannin, fresh acidity and earthy, red-fruited character. Pinot Noir is thin-skinned and transparent to its site, so gentle handling matters. The wine ages 12 months in French oak, with restrained new wood so the barrel adds structure and a little spice through slow oxygen exchange without covering the fruit. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant over rose, undergrowth and a touch of oak. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, with silky tannin, bright acidity and an earthy, savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16C in a wide glass. It suits roast duck, chicken and mushroom dishes.