Coteaux Bourguignons "Le Pierrot" AOC 2024

"Le Pierrot" is the light-footed red wine from Domaine Thomas-Collardot: a cuvée of Pinot Noir and Gamay that favours fruit, freshness and clean lines over weight. Made dry, 13.0% vol., a wine for the table rather than the display case.

The Coteaux Bourguignons appellation brings together sites from across Burgundy, from the Côte d'Or to the Mâconnais. The estate itself lies in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet and farms 2.5 hectares. The vines trace back to Jacqueline Collardot's grandfathers, Henri Chavy and Maurice Thomas; her father Pierre Thomas farmed them until 1992, and in 2010 Jacqueline Collardot took the vineyards back.

Pinot Noir and Gamay, the classic pairing of this appellation: Pinot Noir contributes structure and finesse, Gamay juiciness and agility. In the estate's cellar a light touch prevails: ageing in used 228-litre barrels with two to four prior fills, only light filtration, no fining and largely without added sulphur.

Ruby red with violet reflections in the glass, on the nose strawberry, raspberry and cherry with floral notes and a hint of spice. Juicy and fresh, the tannins silky and restrained, the finish dry and of medium length. Served lightly chilled, it shows the most tension.

With grilled poultry and roast chicken, with charcuterie, terrines and rillettes, with pasta in tomato sugo or mushroom sauce. Salmon and a board of semi-firm cheeses also work well.

Until 2015 the grapes went to négociants; since then the family has bottled the wine itself, with Matthieu Collardot joining in 2018. Around 10,000 bottles a year from a cellar that favours precision over opulence.