The Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru "Les Valozières" 2019 from Domaine Chandon de Briailles displays the estate's timeless, neo-classical Pinot Noir style in impressive form.
Initially discreetly reductive with notes of tobacco, bay leaf, walnut, dry undergrowth and leaf litter, followed by fine nuances of ripe sweet cherries, red berries and plums.
Palate
Juicy, savoury and herb-accented on the palate, underpinned by a powerful, ripe tannic structure and a vibrant acidity with immense ageing potential.
Character
Muscular, broad-shouldered and profound, featuring an elegant balance of cool minerality and structured strength.
Pairing
Tournedos Rossini, Gruyère and bacon soufflé, or pan-fried aubergines marinated with miso and honey.
Notes
Demeter-certified biodynamic viticulture, worked with four horses in the vineyard, and vinified with 100% whole bunches and minimal sulphur usage in the historic Cistercian cellar.
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
A clear cherry red, playing with violet highlights towards the rim.
Nose
Initially intimate and marked by a fine reduction. The wine rewards patience in the glass: gradually, spicy notes of tobacco, bay leaf, walnuts and dry undergrowth emerge. Resting beneath is a cool, pure fruit profile of ripe black cherries, red forest berries and dark plums.
Palate
On the palate, it reveals itself as a classically structured, profoundly honest Burgundy. The fruit steps into the background to make way for a powerful, juicy-tart herbaceous character. A beautifully crafted, ripe tannic structure gives backbone to this muscular Aloxe-Corton. The incisive acidity bites through coolly, offering a glimpse of this vintage’s immense cellaring potential.
Terroir & Origin
The small plot, planted in 1987, lies directly below the famous Grand Cru site Corton Bressandes. The soil combines clayey topsoil with deep limestone and flint inclusions. Siblings François and Claude de Nicolay farm the vineyards in Savigny-lès-Beaune traditionally with horse power and according to Demeter guidelines.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Pure Pinot Noir, 100% whole-bunch wild-fermented in wooden cuves. Aged for around 14 months without racking in barriques and tonneaux with a very low proportion of new oak, followed by a minimal dosage of sulphur at bottling.
Food Pairings
An outstanding partner for hearty dishes such as classic Tournedos Rossini, a savoury Gruyère and bacon soufflé, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted aubergines marinated with miso and honey.
Key Features
An uncompromising, neo-classical natural wine from Demeter-certified biodynamic viticulture, revealing the power and terroir depth of the Corton hill without any masking use of oak.
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