Domaine Florent Garaudet Monthelie Vieilles Vignes AOC

The grapes come from several terroirs in the Monthelie appellation, from old vines (vieilles vignes) with an average age of 45 years. The vines are sustainably cultivated to respect the equilibrium of the environment, with the objective of limiting treatments to what is strictly necessary to obtain a harvest in the best possible condition. Careful pruning ensures foliage is left from a height of one metre, so the grapes have sufficient leaves to synthesise the natural sugars. This labour intensive pruning also encourages aeration of the bunches and optimal sunlight exposure. 90% of the work is done by hand, and only by professionals using the purest Burgundian traditions, to ensure a modest yield of high quality, ripe fruit. Manually harvested at optimum maturity.

The 100% destemmed grapes spend 20 days undergoing cool pre-fermentation maceration, to extract the red fruit aromas and fine tannins. During vinification ‘pigeage’ or punching down of the cap took place once or twice per day. The marc was gently pressed not exceeding 0.5bar, thus preventing vegetal aromas and bitterness. The must was gently racked into French oak via gravity, and the fine lees were carefully selected and placed in the barrels. Fermentation took place with wild yeasts present on the grape skins, producing the most authentic expression of the terroir. Vinification took place in the century-old, stone cellars which controls the alcoholic fermentation and malolactic conversion, due to the natural freshness and humidity of the stone. Matured in 228 litres French oak, of which 33% was new, the wine was bottled with minimal fining or filtration.

Tasting Note
A stylish and expressive Pinot Noir, made from old vines which deliver a hint of spice over concentrated red fruit aromas. Smooth and ripe, with a sensuous texture, the elegant palate shows lovely structure through to a deliciously spicy finish.