Domaine Taupenot-Merme : Auxey-Duresses 1er cru 2018

A Refined and Aromatic Auxey Duresses 1er Cru

The estate

Domaine Taupenot-Merme was founded in 1963 through the union of Denise Merme and Jean Taupenot, the 7th generation of two Burgundian families whose winemaking history dates back to the 18th century. Based in Morey Saint Denis, the estate has developed both its terroir and its winemaking methods to become a benchmark among the great Burgundy wines.

The vineyard

Farmed organically since 2001, the Domaine Taupenot-Merme vineyard covers 13 hectares. Its old vines average 35 years of age, with some plots reaching 60 years, and are spread across emblematic Grand Cru and Premier Cru terroirs as well as village and regional appellations.

The wine

This Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2018 from Domaine Taupenot-Merme comes from a 0.50-hectare vineyard that brings together the Premiers Crus Duresses and Grands Champs. Facing south/south-east at an altitude of 260 to 360 metres, this terroir lies on clay-limestone soil. The vines are around 30 years old.

Vinification and ageing

Harvested by hand at full ripeness, the grapes are carefully transported to the winery to prevent any oxidation or uncontrolled pre-fermentation maceration, and are then rigorously sorted. Cold pre-fermentation maceration (10°C) for 8 to 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by fermentation maceration for 7 to 9 days with manual punching down and pumping over. Manual devatting without pumping, followed by low-pressure pneumatic pressing in fractions to ensure the extraction of the finest tannins. The press wine is tasted before blending. Barrelling takes place 36 to 48 hours after settling to preserve as much of the fine lees as possible. The wine is aged on the lees for 15 to 18 months in oak barrels (30 to 40% new). Bottled without fining or filtration to optimise the natural expression of the terroir.

Blend

The Domaine Taupenot-Merme Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2018 is 100% Pinot Noir.

Tasting

Colour

The colour is intense.

Nose

With great finesse, the nose blends aromas of black fruit with a subtle minerality. As it evolves over time, the bouquet reveals animal nuances.

Palate

Ample and balanced, the palate charms with its fine tannins, its noble character and its refreshing finish.

Food and wine pairing

The Domaine Taupenot-Merme Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2018 is an ideal match for roasts and grilled or pan-fried red meat. As it evolves, this Burgundy wine will be the perfect partner for meat in sauce, game and cheeses that are not too strong.

Serving

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 14-15°C in its youth. Open the bottle 1 hour beforehand and decant it to release its aromatic expression. As it evolves over time, this wine can be enjoyed at 16 to 17°C.

Ageing potential

Already approachable, this great Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru will show more supple tannins from 2024-2026, but it can also be cellared until 2028-2033 to reveal its full aromatic complexity.