Comte Armand : Auxey-Duresses Village 2021

Auxey-Duresses 2021 Comte Armand: tasting notes and serving tips

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a deep purple hue, almost black, reflecting fine concentration despite the challenges of the vintage.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Notes of blackcurrant and blackberry emerge, joined by floral hints of violet. Smoky, spicy, and mineral touches add a savory dimension to the whole. Aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and subtle herbal suggestions complete this olfactory palette.

Palate

On the palate, this wine offers a medium body with a silky attack. Fine tannins provide an elegant texture without astringency. Concentration and spice unfold harmoniously, while freshness and floral and mineral dimensions linger through a medium-long finish marked by violet and delicate spice notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Auxey-Duresses 2021 pairs perfectly with red meats such as roasted venison or herb-crusted lamb. It also matches very well with veal, poultry such as duck, and dishes featuring wild forest mushrooms. Fine charcuterie and certain soft cheeses also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Auxey-Duresses 2021 between 16 and 17°C. Allowing it to aerate for 30 to 90 minutes before serving will help it fully express its aromas. This wine can be enjoyed now but will gain complexity through around 2030.

An elegant, structured Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru, Domaine Comte Armand

The estate

Domaine Comte Armand traces its origins to the late 18th century with Nicolas Marey, who established the prestigious Clos des Epeneaux in Pommard. In 1828, the estate entered the Armand family through marriage and has remained in this lineage for nearly two centuries. Now owned by Olivier Armand, the estate has been run by Paul Zinetti since 2014. Spanning around nine hectares in Burgundy, divided between Pommard, Volnay, and Auxey-Duresses, the estate practices certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, favoring the authentic expression of its terroirs.

The vineyard

The Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru from Domaine Comte Armand comes from 1.08 hectares spread across two complementary lieux-dits. Les Breterins, due south on light, white soils, promotes early ripening and a generous fruit expression. Les Duresses, facing southeast on brown clay soils, brings density and tannic structure thanks to a longer maturation. This geological complementarity yields a powerful, serious wine, combining exuberant fruit with structural complexity.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly demanding in Burgundy. After a conventional start, devastating frosts struck in April, followed by hail episodes in June. The weather volatility of spring and early summer required constant vigilance. Fortunately, flowering took place under good conditions, and from mid-August onward, sunshine enabled satisfactory ripening. This vintage required rigorous selection and meticulous sorting to preserve quality despite reduced volumes.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for this Auxey-Duresses 2021 are fully destemmed before a cold soak to encourage aromatic extraction. After a relatively short fermentation, a post-fermentation maceration helps develop phenolic compounds. Aging takes place over eighteen months in oak barrels, with only 25% new oak, allowing the terroir to express itself fully without being masked by dominant oaky notes.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir