Coteaux de Champlitte rouge Sans Sulfites Ajouté AC 2020

Wine description for Coteaux de Champlitte rouge Sans Sulfites Ajouté AC 2020 by François de Nicolay

Colour & Appearance

Deep glowing cherry red with violet reflections – a wine that immediately commands presence in the glass.

Nose

Warm and inviting, this Pinot opens with raspberry, mulberry and sweet cherry. Yet what sets it apart from conventional Burgundies is its earthy depth: red earth, iron and iodine lend it an almost maritime minerality. Cranberry and fig bring dried fruit notes into play, whilst red pepper, juniper and pimento provide subtle spice. Damp forest floor and undergrowth complete the aromatic profile.

Palate

Here the true class of this sulphite-free Pinot reveals itself. The fruit recedes in favour of a silky structure with fine-grained tannins. The iron-rich character and iodine notes dominate elegantly – this is mature, uncompromising Pinot Noir without any affectation. The red fruit aromas taste aged and serious, the texture silky and complex.

Finish

Persistently mineral with fine tannin structure that lingers long on the palate. The iron note remains present and lends the finale tension.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyards lie in Haute-Saône on limestone and clay – unusual for Burgundy, but typical for IGP Vin de Franche-Comté. With 5,000 vines per hectare and vines averaging 30 years old, de Nicolay achieves modest yields of 25 hl/ha – pure concentration.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir, fermented as whole bunches for 15 days in a cement tank on the skins, then aged for 18 months in used oak barrels – without sulphite addition. A radical approach that puts purity and terroir expression front and centre.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With braised guinea fowl with peach and celery, sweet and sour Brussels sprouts with chestnuts or chicken croquettes with garlic and paprika dip. The mineral structure also pairs excellently with more robust vegetable dishes.

Special Characteristics

A sulphite-free Pinot Noir from a little-known region that proves François de Nicolay puts terroir before convention. Not a crowd-pleasing fruit bomb, but a serious, mineral wine with character and edge – for lovers of authentic Burgundy styles.