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BEAUNE PREMIER CRU
CLOS DU ROI 2021

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CLOS DU ROI

BEAUNE PREMIER CRU
CLOS DU ROI 2021

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2021   2022  

Varietal

100% Pinot Noir.

Tasting notes

Colour: An elegant cherry red dress, intense and bright

Nose:  The bouquet shows frank and powerful aromas of blackberries with delicate vanilla notes.

Palate: Full-bodied and rich in the mouth, with very present yet silky tannins and spicy notes in the finish.

Food and wine pairing

For its full-bodied structure and powerfull aromas, this wine pairs perfectly with game meats or aged soft cheeses such as Epoisses, Soumaintrain or Maroilles.

Serving suggestions

Ideally serve between 15°C and 17°C (59°-63°F).

Ageing potential

9 to 12 years.

Origins

This "village" appellation takes its name from the town of Beaune. It covers about 410 hectares, of which 77% are rated Premier Cru. The main characteristic of the vineyards is its location, for all the vines grow on the East slope of the Montagne de Beaune (litterally Beaune mountain). The wines of the appellation are mostly reds (88%) that are renowned since the beginning of the Middle-Age for their quality.

This 13-acre Premier Cru vineyard is located at the northern end of Beaune, and grows on well-drained low slopes covered with rocks. It is an early climat which produces beautifully ripe grapes and full-bodied fruity wines with silky tannins. The "Clos du Roi" holds its name from History facts; it refers to the period when King Louis XI annexed the plot and declared it his property when Charles The Bold died in 1477. In addition, the Climat bears the name "Clos" for it still hold traces of the stone walls that enclosed originally the plot.

Vinification and maturing

Hand-picked, the grapes are sorted in the vineyard and then again in the winery on a table. The grapes are then 100% de-stemmed but not crushed, so they are placed whole in wooden vats by gravity. Maceration lasts around 3 weeks, with regular punching down of the cap. No oenological products (such as yeasts, enzymes or tannins) are added to avoid altering this precious terroir. The wine is aged for 16 months in barrels without racking (30% new barrels).

Vintage : 2021

The 2021 vintage was a challenge for winegrowers right up until the very last day. From the frost in April, made worse by a very early start to the winegrowing season, right through to the September harvest, it was characterized by some brutal shifts in the weather. Winegrowers had to be extremely reactive and attentive. The only moment of respite came with flowering, which was ideal for fruit formation, and véraison, which was accompanied by sunshine from mid-August. In the end, hard work was rewarded with success, low volumes aside.

Aside from the low yields due to frost, and hail in June in certain parts of the Mâconnais, the grapes were sorted meticulously, both in the vines and in the winery.

Anyway, 2021 is an interesting vintage to work as it requires great technical skill and vinification must be very precise. Although fermentation was rapid, one had to pay a great deal of attention to the extraction of tannins and colour for the reds, and to the aromatic balance of the whites. The impression from the first tastings is that the musts have good aromatic potential and the sugar-acidity ratio suggests a style appreciated by fans of Bourgogne wines.

Awards

Silver medal - CONCOURS DES GRANDS VINS DE FRANCE - MÂCON - April 2024

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