Domaine Nicolas Rossignol : Beaune 1er cru "Reversées" 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Beaune 1er Cru "Reversées" 2020 from Domaine Nicolas Rossignol

Tasting

Color
The color displays a deep ruby hue with garnet highlights, reflecting the vintage’s concentration.

Nose
The bouquet reveals precise aromas of black cherry and wild strawberry, accompanied by chalky mineral notes. Subtle nuances of white pepper and Provençal herbs add secondary complexity, while the oak influence remains perfectly integrated without overpowering the fruity expression.

Palate
The attack is fresh and succulent, unveiling a generous core of dark fruits. Silky tannins structure the whole with elegance, avoiding any excessive astringency. Bright, well-integrated acidity brings tension and supports a long, persistent finish, where fruity and spicy aromas linger pleasantly.

Food and wine pairings

This Beaune 1er Cru pairs ideally with refined red meats, game, and poultry in sauce. It also matches well with quality charcuterie preparations and vegetarian dishes featuring mushrooms or root vegetables.

Serving and cellaring

Serve the Beaune 1er Cru "Reversées" 2020 at a temperature between 15 and 17°C to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity.

An elegant, concentrated Beaune 1er Cru, the expression of a sun-filled vintage in Burgundy

The estate

Founded in 1997 by Nicolas Rossignol, the fifth generation of winegrowers in Volnay, the Domaine Nicolas Rossignol now spans 17 hectares in Burgundy. After gaining international experience in South Africa and in various French wine regions, Nicolas Rossignol developed an approach that respects the terroir, following biodynamic principles. In 2011, the Rossignol-Jeanniard family estate merged with Domaine Nicolas Rossignol, consolidating production under a single entity. Nicolas Rossignol currently runs the property, producing wines across nearly 30 different appellations of the Côte de Beaune, renowned for their elegance and faithful expression of Burgundy’s terroirs.

The vineyard

The Climat "Les Reversées" lies in the southern part of the Beaune appellation, close to the boundary with Pommard. This premier cru of around 0.54 hectares benefits from a favorable south-facing exposure and sits on deep clay-limestone soils with gravelly elements. This intermediate composition—between the pure limestones of the upper slopes and the heavier soils of the lower areas—gives the wine a distinctive balance of elegance and structure. The vineyard is managed according to biodynamic principles, with regular plowing and particular attention paid to soil health.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Bourgogne was marked by exceptionally hot, dry conditions. An early spring with no significant frost was followed by a summer of steady heat and generous sunshine. Drought created moderate water stress, particularly on young vines, while older vines with deep root systems held up better. These conditions favored early, even ripening, with harvesting often beginning as early as August. The grapes reached optimal phenolic ripeness while retaining sufficient acidity to ensure the wines’ balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Beaune 1er Cru "Reversées" 2020 are hand-harvested and transported in small 8-kilogram crates to preserve their integrity. After rigorous sorting on a vibrating table followed by hand sorting, the bunches undergo vinification tailored to the vintage conditions. Alcoholic fermentation occurs naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts in concrete or stainless-steel tanks, with punch-downs and pump-overs adjusted to favor infusion rather than aggressive extraction. Aging then continues for 10 to 20 months in French oak barrels, with a proportion of new oak ranging from 0 to 50% depending on the cuvées. The wine rests on fine lees without racking, and malolactic fermentation is deliberately delayed by around six months according to the lunar calendar. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

100% pinot noir