Saint-Aubin rouge “Le Ban” AOP 2019

The Pinot Noir was planted in the 1920s on a half slope to the east on a brown gravelly clay-limestone soil of one hectare. In 25 years, Pinot Noir in the village of Saint-Aubin has declined from 60 % to 15 % of planted area. It is possible that Derain will eventually have a monopoly on this grape variety. The grapes were harvested by hand with transport in crates in order to process whole and intact grapes. The red grapes were partially destemmed and crushed at the bottom. The intact grapes were placed on top. They fermented in traditional wooden vats. At the end of the alcoholic fermentation, the wine is pressed with a basket press and aged in used barrels or tonneaux, not fined, not filtered and minimally sulphured.

medium, bright purple red

The Pinot Noir finds its perfect expression here in the typicality of the Côtes de Beaune with ripe red fruits in combination with a clear but fine spiciness. At the same time, it shows a slight volatile acidity at the beginning and a discreet bang plate reduction. Then follow juicy cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries, some dark chocolate, undergrowth and nuts.  

On the palate, the Pinot Noir is full of energy with a high-toned punchy acidity that penetrates the juicy, quite early but ripe red fruit. The tannin seems round and equally ripe, but it remains rather in the background. This is a young and excellent young drinking juicy, lively and tonic Pinot.