Domaine de Villaine Rully 1º Cru Les Champs Cloux 2020

Domaine de Villaine, based at Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise, is one of Burgundy's most respected organic estates. This premier cru comes from the Les Champs Cloux vineyard in Rully, planted with Pinot Noir on slopes with poor, limestone-rich soils that hold little organic matter. The estate has farmed organically since 1997, working to ripen the grapes fully and keep them healthy without chemical treatment. The active limestone gives the wine its firm acidity and fine, chalky structure, while the modest yields concentrate the fruit. Vinification is measured and traditional, with ageing in French oak barrels where a portion is new, adding a light spice and softening the tannin through slow oxygen exchange. The wine is medium ruby, with red cherry, redcurrant and wild raspberry on the nose over damp earth, rose and a faint mint note. The palate is medium-bodied and precise, with bright acidity, fine tannin and a long, savoury, mineral finish that reflects the limestone site. This is classic Côte Chalonnaise Pinot Noir with the structure to age a few years. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, in a large Burgundy glass. It suits roast duck, chicken and mushroom dishes.