Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru rouge 2014

The Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru rouge 2014 is a Pinot Noir of great stature, displaying its power through tension rather than sheer force. Those who know Corton as austere and masculine will also find the gentler side of this site here, without the wine losing any depth. It is still very young and currently needs at least a day of aeration.

The Les Bressandes climat sits exactly at the midpoint of the Corton hill, below Clos du Roi and Les Renardes. Chandon de Briailles farms 1.12 hectares there across four plots, on Bajocian and Oxfordian limestone with pebbles, clay and a high iron content. The estate, based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, is run by siblings François and Claude de Nicolay; nearly 14 hectares of vines are ploughed entirely with horses.

Pure Pinot Noir from vines averaging 35 years of age. In 2014, hail and the spotted wing drosophila caused crop losses; harvesting took place between 18 and 26 September with meticulous sorting. Fermentation used 40 to 50% whole clusters, matured without fining or filtration with a maximum of 15 to 20% new oak; the red wines age for 14 to 20 months in barrel.

With air, blackcurrant, cherry and elderberry open up, joined by chestnut, orange peel, juniper and undergrowth. The texture is silky and refined, the acidity clear and brilliant, the dark fruit powerful and threaded with forest-floor notes, carried by agile freshness and minerality over a firmly woven structure.

Bœuf bourguignon, bavette with grilled spring onions and raspberry vinegar jus as well as roe deer haunch with grilled grapes and thyme.

Biodynamic farming since 2005, Demeter certification since 2011, whole-cluster fermentation as house standard since 2011. The cellar dates back to the 12th century and was built by monks from the Abbey of Cîteaux.