Bourgogne Passetoutgrain "Les Vercherres" Sans Sulfite Ajouté AOC 2022

A light-footed red from Burgundy that puts fruit before power. At 12.0 % Vol. it stays lean, and the absence of added sulphites keeps it direct and unadorned. Pierre-Henri Rougeot marks such cuvées with his diagonally striped label.

The Domaine Rougeot Père & Fils is based in Meursault and farms 12.6 hectares with plots in Meursault, Volnay and Pommard, expanded in the 1960s by grandfather Hubert, who served as mayor of Meursault for 25 years. Work in the vineyard is done by hand, with only minimal use of the tractor.

Pinot Noir and Gamay, the classic blend of Bourgogne Passetoutgrain. Spontaneous fermentation with the estate's own yeasts is standard practice here, with the Pinot Noirs left as whole, uncrushed clusters. Ageing takes place in 228-litre Burgundy barrels with a low proportion of new oak, in 18th-century cellars originally built for the Hospices de Beaune. The wine is neither fined nor filtered.

Cherry and raspberry carry the opening, joined by violet and a touch of black pepper. The wine stays juicy, the tannins are silky, and the acidity keeps it fresh through to the finish. Serve lightly chilled, at around 15 °C.

Charcuterie and terrines, quiche Lorraine, grilled poultry, beef bourguignon or fresh goat's cheese.

Pierre-Henri Rougeot shifted the estate away from supermarket sales toward quality wines in 2016. The domaine has been organic-certified since 2020, with the Demeter conversion under way since 2021. His credo: "There can be no good wine from bad soil."