Mercurey 1er Cru Rouge

Mercurey belongs to the Côte Chalonnaise – the underestimated neighbor of the Côte de Nuits – and delivers Pinot Noir with real Burgundian character, without the prices of the great appellations. This 1er Cru from Domaine Chanson shows why that is.

Chanson is one of the oldest négociant houses in the Côte de Beaune, founded in 1750 in Beaune. Since the takeover by the Bollinger group in 1999, the estate has been working consistently on quality: stricter selection in the vineyard, gentle vinification, aging in Burgundian pièces with a moderate proportion of new oak.

In the glass, the wine shows a strong ruby red. On the nose, sour cherry and red currant, plus violets and a subtle hint of earth – typical for the loamy-calcareous soils of Mercurey. Medium body on the palate, fine but present tannins, lively acidity, and a finish with a slight peppery spice. Not a heavy wine, but one with backbone and length.

• Food: Coq au Vin, duck breast with cherries, beef steak, ripe Époisses
• Temperature: 16–17 °C