Nicolás Potel Borgoña Pinot Noir 2024

Maison Nicolas Potel was set up as a négociant house by Nicolas Potel, son of the late winemaker Gérard Potel, to show Burgundy character without a Burgundy price. This is a regional Bourgogne Rouge from Pinot Noir, farmed biodynamically. Burgundy's reputation rests on its limestone and marl soils and a cool continental climate, where Pinot Noir, a thin-skinned and delicate grape, ripens slowly to keep acidity high and tannin light. The wine ages just five months in neutral oak barrels, vessels that have given up their wood flavour, so they round the texture and let in a little oxygen without adding vanilla or spice. The point is to keep the fruit transparent. The colour is a light, bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant with a floral, rose-petal lift and the earthy, undergrowth note that marks Pinot Noir, and the palate is light, fresh and silky, with gentle tannin and a clean, lifted finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly cool. It suits roast chicken, duck and mushroom dishes.