Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias AOP 2021

Wine Description for Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias AOP 2021 by Boris Champy

Colour & Appearance

Quite transparent carmine red, which already visually hints at the cool elegance of the vintage.

Nose

A fascinating aromatic profile that oscillates between fruit and earthiness: raspberries, wild strawberries, some cherry and plum meet stems, earth and mineral gravel notes. Lactic nuances lend depth, whilst violets and foliage provide floral accents.

Palate

Here the Beaune typicity reveals itself in pure form: juice, fruit and above all freshness dominate. The Pinot Noir presents itself cool and energetic, with silky tannins and remarkable complexity. Tart fruit of cherries, barberries and sumach is accompanied by green, yet ripe stem notes. The wine appears lean, taut and currently somewhat austere – a wine that requires time.

Terroir & Origin

The parcel Aux Coucherias lies just before Bouze-lès-Beaune on a steep, west-facing site with dark clay and limestone. The vines were planted in the 1950s and have been farmed biodynamically since 1985. The high vine density of around 10,000 stocks per hectare and the isolation created by trees and gorse create a unique microclimate.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir trained in Guyot. Due to botrytis in the 2021 vintage, Boris Champy chose an unusual technique: complete destemming, sulphur treatment of the stems and subsequent mille-feuille layering of destemmed grapes and stems. Aged for twelve months in barrique. Moderate alcohol content of just 12.5% vol.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The cool fruit and stem notes harmonise beautifully with lamb cutlets on red lentils with oregano, cumin and turmeric, pulled pork vindaloo or braised green beans with datterini tomatoes, cardamom and garlic.

Special Features

Boris Champy knows this vineyard from his time at Louis Jadot, where it was known as Clos de Couchereaux. His creative response to the botrytis challenge in 2021 demonstrates craftsmanship and deep understanding of the terroir.