Saint-Romain rouge „Sous Roche“ AOC 2021

Wine description for Saint-Romain rouge „Sous Roche“ AOC 2021 by Henri & Gilles Buisson

Colour & Appearance

A rather transparent purplish-red, which already announces the elegance and finesse of the vintage in the glass – typical of an authentic Burgundy that has nothing to hide.

Nose

Fascinatingly dark and complex: black cherries and plums meld with sour cherries, whilst vegetal notes of bark and stems provide tension. Added to this are peat, tobacco and pepper – an almost earthy aromatics that nonetheless feels perfectly balanced and reflects the cool provenance from 380 metres altitude.

Palate

The earthy, acidic component from the nose continues, but is cleverly cushioned by a fine extract sweetness and silky tannin. The wine displays clarity and freshness, yet remains gripping and firm on the palate, with a forward momentum that whets the appetite.

Finish

Pleasingly long and chalky – a finale that underscores the mineral character of the limestone soil and lingers persistently in the memory.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Sous Roche in eastern Saint-Romain, facing east at 380 metres altitude, offers ideal conditions. The Calcosol sur marne de Saint-Romain – a characteristic limestone soil – imparts the wine’s mineral structure. The 60-year-old vines yield concentrated yet elegant grapes.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir in pure form, hand-harvested and partially destemmed. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Ageing took place for ten to twelve months in a thoughtfully composed blend of barriques of various sizes (228 to 500 litres) and tonneaux, of which a maximum of 10% are new. Minimal intervention: only coarse filtration, sulphiting only at bottling with a maximum of 40-50 mg/l total sulphite.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with braised calf’s sweetbread à la diable, smoked duck breast with carrot mousseline or surprisingly also with turnips smoked over blackcurrant wood with pointed cabbage.

Special Features

An honest, craftily excellently made Burgundy that places terroir above technique and thereby proves that Saint-Romain is more than just an affordable alternative to its more famous neighbours.