Chanson : Beaune 1er cru "Clos des Mouches" Domaine 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" Domaine 2021 from Chanson

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a beautiful, vibrant ruby hue—bright, luminous and fresh—typical of an elegant Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, opening on delicate floral notes of violet and peony. It then unfolds with intense aromas of fresh red fruits, led by sour cherry and wild cherry, alongside hints of raspberry and blackberry. With aeration, mineral nuances of flint and gunpowder emerge, enhanced by subtle vanilla and spicy notes.

Palate

The attack is precise and incisive, carried by a lively freshness that gives structure to the whole. The palate offers fine density without heaviness, with a silky texture and elegant, refined, well-integrated tannins. Red-fruit flavors linger throughout the tasting, lifted by a touch of white pepper on the finish. The length is remarkable, maintaining freshness and definition through to the end.

Food and wine pairings

This Beaune 1er Cru pairs harmoniously with roasted poultry such as duck or woodcock, especially when served with fruit-based sauces. Grilled or roasted red meats—particularly beef bourguignon and lamb—also make excellent companions. Aged cheeses such as Comté, Brie or Époisses bring out the full complexity of this wine.

Serving and cellaring

The Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 16°C. This wine has cellaring potential through to around 2041, and may even evolve beautifully beyond 25 years under optimal storage conditions.

An exceptional Burgundian premier cru from a sun-kissed terroir

The estate

Founded in 1750 in Beaune, in Burgundy, the Domaine Chanson is among the oldest houses still in operation. Owned by the Bollinger group since 1999, it is now led by Thierry Berger. The vineyard totals 88 to 90 hectares, including 43 historic hectares in Côte de Beaune, complemented in 2023 by 45 hectares in Côte Chalonnaise. A key distinction is that its cellars occupy the Royal Bastion, and parcel-by-parcel vinification showcases iconic terroirs.

The vineyard

Clos des Mouches is one of the most prestigious Climat in Beaune, located at the extreme southern edge of the appellation, in immediate proximity to Pommard. Domaine Chanson owns a 4.3-hectare plot here, benefiting from an ideal south/southeast exposure that gives the wines a sun-drenched character. The soils display a complex geological composition: the upper section features stony, rocky ground, while the heart of the clos rests on marl-limestone formations that promote drainage. This clay-limestone structure contributes to the elegance and finesse characteristic of the site.

The vintage

The year 2021 in Burgundy began with a mild winter and spring that encouraged early budbreak, before being marked by several frost episodes in May. The summer proved particularly hot, with high temperatures and limited rainfall, creating conditions of water stress. These climatic factors resulted in lower yields. Harvest began on August 24, noticeably earlier than the historical average, reflecting accelerated phenolic ripeness. Despite these challenges, the vintage produced harmonious wines, with elegant concentration and moderate alcohol levels.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" 2021 are harvested by hand into perforated crates, then meticulously sorted. Vinification includes between 20 and 50% whole clusters depending on the plots, bringing tannic structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place in small open vats with indigenous yeasts, along with traditional punch-downs and pump-overs. Maceration lasts two to three weeks. After vertical pressing and selection of the juices, aging takes place for 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels, around 25% of which are new.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir