Joseph Drouhin : Beaune 1er cru "Cras" 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Beaune 1er Cru "Cras" 2020 from Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Colour
The wine reveals an intense, deep ruby red colour.

Nose
Highly expressive, the nose offers rich aromas of black fruit such as blackberry and blackcurrant, delicately enhanced by hints of vanilla. With time, it promises to develop subtle notes of leather, spice and truffle.

Palate
The palate charms with its lovely harmony and the finesse of its tannins. The whole displays an undeniable charm, stretching into a finish marked by delicate oaky nuances.

Food and wine pairing

This French red wine will pair beautifully with roast poultry, fine cuts of veal or a classic beef bourguignon. After a few years of ageing, it will elevate roast duck, meat dishes served with mushrooms or soft cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Beaune 1er Cru "Cras" 2020 at a temperature of around 16°C. This fine wine for laying down can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop in the cellar until around 2040.

The finesse and concentration of a great red Burgundy

The estate

Founded in 1880 in the heart of Beaune, Maison Joseph Drouhin is an iconic name in Burgundy. A pioneer in environmental practices, this family estate tends a vast 100-hectare vineyard stretching from Chablis to the Mâconnais, farmed entirely according to organic and biodynamic principles. Now run by the fourth generation, with Frédéric Drouhin at the helm, the house pursues a constant quest for elegance and perfection. It stands out for its deep respect for terroir, producing wines renowned for their great purity and finesse.

The vineyard

This wine comes from the "Cras" climat, a historic terroir located in the north-west of the Beaune appellation. Ideally facing east and south-east, the vines thrive at the top of the slope on particularly stony clay-limestone soils. This distinctive geology, recognised since Roman times, encourages deep rooting and gives the grapes remarkable structure and freshness.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage stood out for its particularly favourable weather conditions, which promoted high and rapid ripening of the berries. This growing season led to a relatively early harvest, yielding fruit of exceptional concentration in perfect health.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes for this Beaune 1er Cru "Cras" 2020 are harvested by hand, then rigorously sorted and fully destemmed. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place in small open vats over two to three weeks, punctuated by punch-downs and pump-overs. After gentle pressing in a vertical press, the wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, 20 to 25% of them new, to refine its structure.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir