Coteaux Bourguignons "Le Pierrot" AOC 2023

A red wine whose nose reaches deeper than its brilliant color would suggest: blackberry, fully ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a dense blend of sweet and sour cherry. Underneath lies a warm, nutty layer of almonds, almond blossom and marzipan, joined by roasted nuts, green walnut, pistachio purée and cocoa butter. Far in the background, notes of forest floor and brushwood linger.

Coteaux Bourguignons AOC from Burgundy, produced by Domaine Thomas-Collardot, a 2.5-hectare family estate right in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet. The vines originate from the holdings of Jacqueline Collardot's grandfathers, Henri Chavy and Maurice Thomas; her father Pierre Thomas farmed them until 1992, after which they were leased to cousins. In 2010, Jacqueline Collardot reclaimed the vineyards, in 2015 her first own vintage was bottled, and in 2018 her son Matthieu joined her.

A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, dry, at 12.5% ABV. In the cellar, the guiding principle is a light hand: minimal intervention, only gentle filtration, no fining, and sulphur additions are largely avoided.

The fruit takes center stage and remains approachable: sour cherry, redcurrant and raspberry lead, giving the wine its energy. A vital, crisp acidity runs through it like a common thread, opening up the fruit and encouraging another sip. Tannins are barely perceptible, nothing weighs down its light, open character. The finish rings out bright and fruit-driven, underscored by a delicate nutty note.

The estate's annual production totals around 10,000 bottles, with Chardonnay at the heart of its work. All the more appealing, then, is this red outlier, which shares the house style: transparency over opulence, precision over breadth.