J.J. Confuron Côte de Nuits Les Vignottes 2024

Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron is a respected estate in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits, and this Côte de Nuits-Villages is its village red from Pinot Noir grown in the Côte-d'Or. The grapes are selected by cluster and, after a light pressing, destemmed, macerated and fermented in temperature-controlled cement tanks, with the carbon dioxide retained to protect the fresh, ripe aromatics of the fruit. The wine then rests on its lees before ageing in barrel. Cement is a neutral vessel that adds no wood flavour, so the emphasis stays on the fruit and the site, while barrel ageing brings structure and a light spice through gradual oxygen exchange. The soils of the northern Côte de Nuits are clay-limestone, giving structured, mineral Pinot, and the cool continental climate with its wide day-to-night temperature swing keeps acidity firm and the perfume lifted. The colour is a bright ruby. The nose is fragrant, with ripe cherry, red berries, a floral note and a savoury, earthy undertone. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, the tannins fine, the acidity fresh, carrying a mineral, gently spiced finish. Serve at 16 degrees in a Burgundy glass. It suits duck, game and mushroom dishes.