La Maison Romane Côtes de Nuits Village 2023

La Maison Romane makes this Côte de Nuits-Village from Pinot Noir grown on the Côte-d'Or in Burgundy, from plots of vines averaging around forty years of age. The vineyards sit on the classic Burgundian mix of clay and limestone, soils that give Pinot Noir its combination of red fruit, fine tannin and savoury, earthy depth. The vines are worked by hand under organic and biodynamic principles, and the grapes are harvested manually. The clusters are vinified whole, a choice that adds aromatic lift, fine structure and a subtle stemmy, peppery character, and alcoholic fermentation runs on native yeasts present in the cellar and on the fruit, which lends complexity and a sense of place. Ageing takes place over twelve months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where gentle oxygen exchange softens the tannins and frames rather than dominates the fruit, helped by the modest 12.5 percent alcohol of the cool 2023 vintage. Expect a bright, translucent red, a perfumed nose of cherry, red berries, rose and forest floor, and an elegant, savoury palate with fine tannin and crisp acidity. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees with poultry, game birds or mushroom dishes.