Philippe Pacalet Chambolle-Musigny 2019

Philippe Pacalet is the nephew of the natural-wine pioneer Marcel Lapierre and applies a precise, low-intervention philosophy to Burgundy, letting the vine reveal the character of its terroir. This is a single-varietal Pinot Noir from the AOC Chambolle-Musigny on the Cote d'Or, a commune known for producing some of the most fragrant and delicate reds in Burgundy. The limestone and marl soils of Chambolle, lighter and more stony than those of neighbouring villages, are the reason its wines lean towards perfume and finesse rather than power. Pacalet works naturally, with native yeasts and little added sulphur, and ages the wine in French oak with a light touch so the fruit and terroir stay to the fore. This is a mature vintage from 2019 and shows it. The colour is a translucent ruby, already edged with garnet, and the nose is fragrant, with wild strawberry, red cherry, rose petal, red currant and an earthy, forest-floor note. The palate is medium bodied and elegant at 13% alcohol, with silky red fruit, fresh acidity, fine tannins and a long savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16C, in a large glass, with roast duck, game birds or mushrooms.