An attractive and light Pinot Noir from Mercurey, thanks to the 2021 vintage, with a juicy, fresh mouthfeel of lots of small red fruits, accompanied by the characteristic mild Mercurey bistro-like warm spiciness and friendly tannins. This wine pairs beautifully with a fine meat dish such as steak tartare in a classic Parisian bistro. A truly gorgeous nose of red roses. Aged for 12 months in French oak. "Le Balcon" is a plot located just above the famous premier cru vineyard Clos du Roi, on the hill between Clos du Roi and the church of Saint Symphorien. It's a small plot of only 0.30 hectares with lots of stones that retain heat. All work is done by hand, on foot. It requires a lot of effort, but the results are promising, even if the quantities are small. For this Mercurey, approximately 30% whole-bunch fermentation is used.
Le Balcon on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qzMXBXxzuxBTZzo47
Whole-bunch / Whole-clusters. What does Whole-bunch mean, you ask? Whole-cluster fermentation describes a winemaking technique where entire, intact grape clusters are fermented, instead of the grapes being destemmed and crushed. Winemakers who vinify their wines using whole clusters usually do so because of the texture, flavor, and structure that stems add to the juice. In vintages with high acidity, adding whole clusters to the mix can soften the juice while adding freshness. The stems can also alter the wine's color by absorbing pigment.
On a balcony, or "le balcon," you are well exposed to the sun, resulting in abundant red fruit and a friendly hint of spices. For those familiar with Mercurey wines, this one is generally fruitier and earlier to enjoy than its counterparts but can still age a bit in the bottle for rounder tannins. Best to drink from late 2023 to 2030. Pairs wonderfully with steak tartare, Boeuf Bourguignon, and various game dishes, especially with a beautiful red fruit sauce.
Planted after the classification, so it is not yet included in the (Premier Cru) statutes, meaning it's on the waiting list for an upgrade to 1er Cru status. But trust me, it already delivers Premier Cru results without it being on the label. For now, it's a beautiful understatement.
Serve with light meat dishes such as steak tartare.
The Côte Chalonnaise, located south of the prestigious Côte de Beaune, is an often overlooked region in Burgundy. Despite its lesser-known name, this area is gaining popularity due to the excellent value for money its wines offer. While the renowned vineyards of the Côte d'Or often demand high prices, the Côte Chalonnaise offers high-quality wines with unique character, without breaking the bank. For wine lovers who want to explore more of Burgundy, the Côte Chalonnaise is a delightful surprise that proves top wines don't always have to be expensive.
The Côte Chalonnaise is known for both its red and white wines. The red wines are mainly made from the Pinot Noir grape, while the white wines are often from Chardonnay. The region boasts several appellations, including Mercurey, Givry, Rully, Bouzeron, and Montagny. Wines from this region often have a refined structure and a distinctive terroir, giving each bottle its own unique character. For example, the red wines from Mercurey are known for their firm yet elegant tannins, while the white wines from Montagny are renowned for their freshness and minerality.
The wines from the Côte Chalonnaise are versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. The fresh Chardonnay wines pair excellently with seafood, light fish dishes, and poultry. They are also perfect with creamy sauces and soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert. The Pinot Noir wines are ideal with poultry, veal, and lighter meat dishes such as duck and chicken. They also pair well with earthy flavors like mushrooms, carrots, and risotto. Both red and white wines are suitable for serving with a light meal or even some desserts.
At Burgundy or Nowhere, you will find an extensive selection of Côte Chalonnaise wines, from well-known names to hidden gems. We are particularly enthusiastic about the wines from Domaine de la Luolle, whose Givry and Mercurey impress with their complexity and depth at a reasonable price. Our goal is to offer wines that reflect the quality in the bottle, not just the name on the label.