Beaune 1er Cru Clos Du Roi Domaine Chanson 2017

Beaune 1er Cru Clos Du Roi, Domaine Chanson, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France, 2017  

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

Soil: Limestone with clay

Site: The vineyard of "Clos du Roi" is located below "Les Marconnets" on a fold in the hill. This old property of the Dukes of Burgundy was annexed by King Louis XI of France after the death of Charles the Bold. Chanson owns around 3 ha, i.e. 35% of the total climat appellation. 2/3 of the surface owned by Chanson are planted with Pinot Noir.

The Vintage 2017: After a classic winter, spring settled down with warm temperatures but a cool weather in April slackened down the evolution of the vines. May was rainy and was followed by a warm summer with heat waves. However, a few thunderstorms épisodes brought enough rain to allow the maturation of the grapes to continue. The harvest started early September with an excellent sanitary level of the grapes.

Vinification: whole bunch fermentation for approximately two weeks, the wines are then aged in our XVth century cellar for a period between 14 and 18 months. Moderate use of new oak.

Tasting: Bright ruby colour. Delicate floral fragrances mixed Intense aromas of ripe red berries (red current) and spices. Well-balanced and complex. Tight texture. Well shaped tannins. Very pure fruit. Long and spicy finish.

Score: 17/20 points JANCIS ROBINSON, January 2019, "Mid crimson. Smudgy, powdery nose. More savoury notes than usual for Beaune. Interesting, detailed wine with a certain dryness and potential on the end. Well crafted." 

Food pairing: To be enjoyed with red meat grilled or en sauce and French cheeses (Epoisses, Citeaux or goat).