Notes:

Producer: Domaine Michel Juillot is a family estate based in Mercurey in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise. Established in 1928, the domaine now farms approximately 31 hectares across the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune, with holdings ranging from regional Bourgogne to village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Pinot Noir accounts for roughly 21 hectares of the estate, with Chardonnay making up the remainder. The domaine is now led by Laurent Juillot, the fourth generation, who continues the family’s emphasis on careful vineyard work and relatively restrained cellar intervention. Juillot gives the same attention to its regional wines as it does to its more prestigious appellations, with the belief that the differences between the wines should come primarily from their vineyards rather than changes in winemaking.

Vineyard: This Bourgogne Rouge is 100% Pinot Noir. The domaine’s vines for the cuvée were planted in 1974 and 1989, giving the wine the benefit of established vine material even at the regional level. The vineyards sit at approximately 254 meters in elevation with a southwest exposure, on soils composed of clay-limestone and marl. These are classic conditions for Pinot Noir, combining the water-retaining properties of clay with the drainage and mineral influence of limestone. The domaine produces approximately 24,000 bottles of Bourgogne Rouge annually and gives the wine a recommended aging window of roughly three to five years. The combination of older vines and limestone-rich soils gives this a little more depth and structure than you might expect from a straightforward Bourgogne Rouge.

Winemaking: The 2023 was harvested by hand, with the fruit carefully sorted before fermentation. The grapes were completely destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures for approximately 20 days. The wine was then matured for 10 months in large oak foudres rather than small barrels, keeping the influence of oak in the background and allowing the Pinot Noir to remain the focus. It was bottled unfiltered. The 2023 is fresh and nicely balanced, showing raspberry and other red-fruit aromas alongside subtle herbal and earthy notes. The palate remains centered on juicy red fruit, with good freshness, moderate body and enough tannin to give the wine shape without overwhelming its approachable character. It is a clean, expressive style of Bourgogne Rouge built around Pinot Noir fruit rather than extraction or overt oak.

Technical Details: 13% ABV; natural cork; bottled unfiltered; 750ml.

Food Pairing: The freshness and moderate structure of this Bourgogne Rouge make it particularly versatile at the table. Charcuterie is an excellent match, as the wine’s acidity cuts through richer cured meats while its red fruit remains bright and expressive. The domaine recommends traditional veal blanquette, while roast chicken, pork tenderloin, duck, grilled sausages and mushroom dishes are equally natural pairings. It also works well with salmon, lentils, roasted root vegetables and simple bistro-style dishes. For cheese, look toward mild to moderately aged styles that will complement rather than overpower the Pinot Noir. Serve around 16°C, with a slight chill helping preserve the wine’s freshness and aromatic detail.

Vins Rare