Domaine des Perdrix : Echezeaux Grand cru "Du Dessus" 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Echezeaux Grand Cru "Du Dessus" 2021 from Domaine des Perdrix

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance unveils a beautiful ruby red color, silky and velvety, testifying to controlled phenolic extraction and optimal grape maturity.

Nose

The nose reveals a delicate aromatic complexity that blossoms gradually upon aeration. It initially opens with fresh fragrances of ripe cherry and strawberry, characteristic of the Echezeaux appellation. Over time, the bouquet develops towards spicy notes of licorice, menthol and subtle white pepper, adding depth and aromatic interest. The ensemble testifies to a perfect integration between fruit, wood and the mineral components of the terroir.

Palate

On the palate, this wine expresses remarkable amplitude and richness while maintaining the graceful balance specific to the finest Burgundian expressions. The attack is refined, without aggression, unveiling flavors of red and black fruits accompanied by mineral and earthy nuances evoking the underlying limestone terroir. The tannic structure presents a silky and perfectly enveloped texture, allowing for an immediate approach while guaranteeing considerable aging potential. The mid-palate offers concentration and density without heaviness, maintaining elegance from start to finish. The finish stretches long with beautiful persistence, concluding with slightly saline and mineral characteristics that confer an elegant distinction to the whole.

Food and wine pairings

The Echezeaux Grand Cru "Du Dessus" 2021 pairs magnificently with a wild mushroom risotto, braised or roasted lamb, as well as soft-ripened cheeses with bloomy rinds like Brie. Truffle brie preparations create a particularly refined pairing, the wine's mineral notes resonating harmoniously with the mushroom aromas.

Service and cellaring

This wine can be appreciated now while possessing an aging potential until approximately 2041. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. Prior aeration will allow the bouquet to fully express itself.

The refinement and complexity of a Burgundy Grand Cru

The estate

The Domaine des Perdrix has undergone a remarkable transformation since its acquisition in 1996 by the Devillard family, whose winemaking heritage spans five generations. Bertrand Devillard, accompanied by his children Amaury and Aurore, undertook a complete modernization of the facilities while preserving the excellence of the terroirs. Today, the estate extends over fifteen hectares in the Côte de Nuits, with more than half classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru. Under the technical direction of oenologist Robert Vernizeau, Domaine des Perdrix has established itself as a quality reference in Burgundy, particularly recognized for its expressions of Echezeaux Grand Cru.

The vineyard

The Echezeaux Grand Cru "Du Dessus" comes from a 0.85-hectare plot located in the upper part of the Echezeaux appellation, considered the highest quality section. The vines, planted in 1922, are among the oldest of the estate and bring particular depth and complexity to the wine. The terroir is characterized by Bajocian marl soils with stony surface coverings, resting on a Jurassic limestone substrate. Exposed south and southeast, the plots benefit from an altitude above 270 meters and a gentle slope of 3 to 5%, creating ideal conditions for the expression of Pinot Noir. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with a planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare, favoring controlled yields and measured interventions to preserve the authenticity of the terroir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage represents the third full year following the frost-affected 2018 vintage. The year began with a winter marked by a frost episode of rare intensity affecting the entire French vineyard. The milder spring favored flowering in late May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Meteorological instability was observed between mid-July and mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the harvest took place under sunny weather, allowing for grapes of remarkable generosity and balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Echezeaux Grand Cru "Du Dessus" 2021 were harvested manually with rigorous selection to eliminate any fruit showing insufficient maturity. After meticulous sorting, 30% of the bunches were kept whole while the rest were destemmed. Winemaking began with a cold maceration of four to six days at controlled temperature to extract aromatic compounds and color. Alcoholic fermentation took place over fifteen days with indigenous yeasts, accompanied exclusively by punching down without pumping over. Aging took place in 228-liter French oak barrels for seventeen months, with 60% new barrels coming from the forests of Burgundy, Allier and Vosges. After this period, the wine benefited from two additional months of rest in inert vats before bottling.

Grape

100% Pinot Noir