Beaune 1er Cru Vignes Franches AOP 2021

A Pinot Noir that stays slender at 12.5 percent alcohol, drawing its impact from freshness and precision rather than weight. Red fruit, vibrant acidity and a linear finish define the profile.

Vignes Franches ranks among the premier crus of Beaune, in the historic heart of the Côte de Beaune. The estate itself is based in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune near Nantoux and farms twelve hectares, from Le Clou at 377 metres to Le Bignon at 421 metres, alongside parcels in Pommard and two Beaune premier crus. The higher altitude delays ripening and preserves natural freshness. Hedges, stone walls, orchards and sheep shape the landscape around the estate.

Pure Pinot Noir. Vinification is minimally interventionist: spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, gentle extraction, restrained use of oak. Rare sélections massales from pre-phylloxera vines lend exceptional complexity. Boris Champy, who spent ten years at Dominus Estate in Napa Valley under Christian Mouëix and later served as estate director at Clos des Lambrays, took over the property in 2019 from Didier Montchovet.

Juicy cherry and redcurrant, followed by spice and a fine earthiness. The tannins are precisely woven, the acidity keeps the wine upright, and the finish remains long and velvety.

Pairs well with roast duck breast with cherries and with coq au vin, as well as with young Comté. With porcini mushrooms, whether in a risotto or sautéed in butter, it finds its most composed expression.

The estate has farmed biodynamically since 1984 and was the first in Burgundy to receive Demeter certification; the logo appears on the label. The preparations come from a self-built tisanière.