Thibault Liger-Belair : Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021 from Thibault Liger-Belair

Tasting

Color

With a bright, clear ruby hue, this wine reveals violet and purple highlights characteristic of gamay.

Nose

The nose reveals an aromatic expression dominated by fresh red fruits, notably cherry and ripe strawberry. Delicate floral touches accompany these primary aromas, rounded out by subtle herbal and spicy notes that emerge with aeration.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows a medium-bodied structure that is balanced and elegant. The palate expresses a lovely fruity freshness supported by fine, silky tannins. Well-integrated acidity brings vibrancy and structure without aggressiveness. The finish lingers as the fruit elements gradually fade, highlighting a moderate aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021 is an ideal match for herb- or citrus-roasted poultry. It also pairs very well with a fine selection of cured meats, braised white meats such as rabbit or veal, as well as certain grilled oily fish such as salmon prepared with aromatics.

Serving and cellaring

Serve the Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021 at a temperature between 11 and 12°C to preserve its aromatic freshness and floral notes. This wine can be enjoyed now and through around 2028.

A delicate and generous Bourgogne red

The estate

Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair was founded in 2001 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, when Thibault Liger-Belair took over the family estate after spending several years in wine trading and selection. Today, Thibault Liger-Belair personally oversees this approximately 7- to 8-hectare estate spread across five prestigious Burgundy communes. The first member of his family branch to produce wine himself rather than trade it, he quickly established himself as one of the most respected winemakers in Bourgogne, ranked the 22nd best winemaker in France by Le Figaro. The estate stands out for its early conversion to organic farming in 2001, certified in 2005, and for its selective application of biodynamic practices without seeking formal certification. In 2017, Thibault inaugurated a new winery designed entirely according to sustainable principles, powered by solar energy and geothermal heat, and built with 95% recycled materials.

The vineyard

The Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021 comes from a blend of parcels located in Beaujolais and in Burgundy. The gamay grapes come from the vineyards of Domaine des Pierres Roses in Moulin-à-Vent, which Thibault has been farming since 2008 under certified biodynamics, while the pinot noir comes from Burgundy parcels in the Côte de Nuits. This dual geographic origin reflects the winemaker’s philosophy that working with two distinct terroirs deepens one’s understanding of viticulture. The soils show great diversity, ranging from clay-limestone compositions to Beaujolais granite subsoils rich in quartz. The harvest is carried out by hand at optimal ripeness, respecting the natural rhythm of each parcel.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by a harsh winter with an intense frost episode affecting vineyards across France. A milder spring enabled flowering at the end of May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability set in from mid-July to mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the beneficial rains at the end of August encouraged optimal ripening, making it possible to obtain balanced, generous grapes. The 2021 vintage is ultimately defined by its freshness and vibrancy.

Winemaking and aging

After the hand harvest, the Bourgogne Gamay "Les 2 Terres" 2021 is vinified with 30% whole clusters retained and 70% destemmed. Fermentation lasts three weeks with gentle extractions to preserve the delicacy of the fruit and avoid any tannic harshness. The wine is then aged for twelve months in oak barrels five to ten years old, with no new oak used, allowing subtle integration of woody notes while preserving the primary fruit expression. This approach reflects the estate’s philosophy, which favors balance and finesse over pronounced oak-driven markers.

Grape varieties

Gamay (85 %)
Pinot noir (15 %)