Domaine Michel Bouzereau et Fils : Beaune 1er cru "Les Vignes Franches" 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Beaune 1er Cru "Les Vignes Franches" 2021 Domaine Michel Bouzereau et Fils

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a medium-intensity ruby red, almost black at the core, with a clear purple sheen at the rim.

Nose

The bouquet reveals a floral elegance alongside ripe red fruit. Aromas of red cherry, raspberry and morello cherry mingle with subtle spicy notes and delicate floral fragrances. The nose displays a restraint and complexity that are characteristic of Beaune’s refined style.

Palate

On the palate, this wine offers a caressing, medium-bodied structure that is remarkably refined, with a respectable density. The palate unfolds flavors of ripe red fruit with notes of cherry and stone fruit, complemented by subtle spice and mineral nuances derived from the terroir’s clay-limestone composition. The tannic structure is refined and well integrated, contributing to an overall harmonious impression in which no single element dominates. The finish shows appropriate persistence, with a mineral character and acidity combining to deliver a clean, precise conclusion.

Food and wine pairings

This Beaune 1er Cru pairs perfectly with a creamy chicken fricassee with mushrooms. Its moderate structure and vibrancy also complement refined white-meat dishes, wild mushroom recipes and root vegetables. The wine’s mineral, spicy character suggests a lovely harmony with delicate game preparations.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Beaune 1er Cru "Les Vignes Franches" 2021 at a cellar temperature between 16 and 17°C. A short decanting of thirty minutes to one hour will help open up the aromatic layers. This wine can be enjoyed until around 2034.

An elegant and refined Beaune premier cru from Domaine Michel Bouzereau et Fils

The estate

Officially registered on January 1st, 1992, Domaine Michel Bouzereau et Fils carries on seven generations of winemaking tradition in Meursault, in Burgundy. Since 1999, Jean-Baptiste Bouzereau, the seventh generation, has run this family estate of around 11 to 13 hectares. Awarded three stars by La Revue du Vin de France, the estate stands out for its commitment to organic farming since 2005 and the gradual integration of biodynamic practices. A minimalist winemaking philosophy favors indigenous yeasts, extended aging on the lees and the absence of filtration, allowing an authentic expression of the Côte de Beaune terroirs.

The vineyard

The climat Les Vignes Franches, whose name means “free vines” in reference to a historical tax exemption, occupies a mid-slope position in Beaune’s premier cru zone, with an ideal southern exposure. The estate’s roughly half-hectare parcel lies on red clay and limestone soils, positioned just below the famous Clos des Mouches. Vines over sixty years old benefit from an altitude of around 240 meters, encouraging even ripening of the grapes. This clay-limestone composition gives the wine its distinctive mineral structure and its characteristic expression of red fruit.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage reflects a favorable growing year in Burgundy, marked by weather conditions that enabled ideal grape ripeness and optimal phenolic maturity. The growing season benefited from spring conditions that avoided catastrophic frosts, flowering that allowed full fruit set, and a summer period with adequate humidity and suitable temperatures for steady ripening. The vintage’s harmonious balance, without excessive heat stress or challenges linked to insufficient maturity, created favorable conditions for high-quality production.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Beaune 1er Cru "Les Vignes Franches" 2021 are hand-harvested and then destemmed before a cold soak. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, with no addition of commercial yeasts. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for twelve months, 30% of which are new barrels. After this time in barrel, the wine continues aging for an additional four months in stainless-steel tanks, allowing for final aromatic integration. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, thus preserving its full aromatic and textural expression.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir