Mercurey, Le Balcon 2021, Domaine de la Luolle

Buy Mercurey Burgundy Wine from Domaine de La Luolle

Attractive and light Pinot Noir from Mercurey thanks to the 2021 vintage with a juicy, fresh mouthfeel of plenty of small red fruits accompanied by the characteristic mild Mercurey bistro warm spiciness and friendly tannins that pair well with a nice meat dish like steak tartare in a classic Parisian bistro. A truly beautiful nose of red roses. This wine ages for 12 months in French oak. Le Balcon is a plot just above the famous premier cru vineyard Clos du Roi. Specifically, it is located on the hill between Clos du Roi and the church of Saint Symphorien. It is also a small plot of just 0.30 hectares with many stones that retain a lot of heat. All the work is done there by hand, on foot. It requires a lot of effort, but the results are promising, even if the quantities are small. For this Mercurey, around 30% whole bunches are also used.

Le Balcon on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qzMXBXxzuxBTZzo47

Whole-bunch / Whole-clusters. What does Whole-bunch mean, you might ask? Whole bunch fermentation describes a technique for making red wine where complete intact grape bunches are fermented, rather than the grapes being destemmed and crushed. Winemakers who vinify their wines with whole clusters typically do so for the texture, flavor, and structure that stems add to the juice. In high acidity vintages, adding whole clusters to the mix can soften the juice while simultaneously adding freshness. The stems can also change the hue of a wine, as they absorb pigment.

On a balcony/le balcon, you are well exposed to the sun, resulting in generous red fruit and a friendly hint of spices. For those familiar with Mercureys, this one is fruitier on average and more enjoyable than its peers but can still be laid down for a while for rounder tannins. Drink from late 2023 to 2030. Pairs wonderfully with steak tartare, boeuf bourguignon, but also with various game dishes with, for example, a nice red fruit sauce.

Planted after classification, thus not included in the (Premier Cru) statutes, it is on the waiting list for an upgrade to 1er Cru status. But believe me, it already delivers Premier Cru results without the label. For now, a beautiful understatement.

Wine and Food

Serve with light meat dishes such as steak tartare.

Special Features

• 100% Pinot Noir aged on French oak for 12 months
• Whole-bunch / Whole-clusters
• The wine is grown in the vicinity of Mercurey
• Biodynamic

Domaine de la Luolle Makes More Beautiful Wines:

• Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge, Le Cloux de la Roche 2020, Domaine de la Luolle
  
• Givry Blanc, Les Plants Sont Fleuris 2021, Domaine de la Luolle
  
• Givry Blanc, Champ Pourot 2020, Domaine de la Luolle
  
• Blanc de Blancs Crémant de Bourgogne 2020, Domaine de la Luolle

Domaine de la Luolle

Côte Chalonnaise: The Hidden Gem of Burgundy

The Côte Chalonnaise, located south of the prestigious Côte de Beaune, is a region often overlooked in Burgundy. Despite its less-known name, this area is gaining popularity due to the excellent price-quality ratio of its wines. While the renowned vineyards of the Côte d'Or often demand high prices, the Côte Chalonnaise offers high-quality wines with a unique character without heavily burdening the wallet. For wine lovers wanting to explore Burgundy further, the Côte Chalonnaise is a pleasant surprise that proves top wines don’t always have to be expensive.

What is produced in the Côte Chalonnaise?

The Côte Chalonnaise is known for both its red and white wines. The red wines are primarily made from the Pinot Noir grape, while the white wines are often derived from the Chardonnay grape. The region hosts various appellations, including Mercurey, Givry, Rully, Bouzeron, and Montagny. The wines from this region often feature a refined structure and a pronounced terroir, giving each bottle its own unique character. The red wines from Mercurey are known for their firm yet elegant tannins, while the white wines from Montagny are recognized for their freshness and minerality.

Which dishes pair with Côte Chalonnaise wines?

The wines from the Côte Chalonnaise are versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. The fresh Chardonnay wines complement seafood, light fish dishes, and poultry excellently. 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 dishes such as mushrooms, carrots, and risotto. Both types of wine, both red and white, are suitable for pairing with a light meal or even some desserts.

Buying Côte Chalonnaise Wines

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.