Domaine de Villaine Mercurey Les Montots 2020

Domaine de Villaine is based in Bouzeron, the first village of the Côte Chalonnaise in southern Burgundy, and is long associated with careful, terroir driven winemaking. This Mercurey, from the Les Montots plot, is a single variety Pinot Noir. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 1997 and lie on slopes between 270 and 350 metres, on poor soils with a high limestone content. Low fertility limits vigour and yield, concentrating the fruit, while the limestone lends the wine its firm acid line and mineral finish. The wine ages in barrel, which softens the tannins and adds a light frame of spice without dominating the fruit. Mercurey gives a slightly firmer, more structured Pinot Noir than the lighter villages, and this wine reflects that. The colour is a medium ruby. The nose shows cherry and red berry over an earthy, gently herbal base. The palate is medium bodied, with fine tannin, bright acidity, a peppery lift and a savoury, mineral finish that carries the limestone character. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a large glass. It suits roast duck, poultry and mushroom dishes.