Bouchard Père & Fils : Beaune 1er cru "Grèves Vigne de L'Enfant Jésus" Domaine 2016

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Beaune 1er cru "Grèves Vigne de L'Enfant Jésus" Domaine 2016 from Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Color

The color stands out for its intense, bright red hue, characteristic of the Beaune appellation. This deep shade reflects a remarkable concentration of anthocyanin compounds, the result of particularly low yields in this vintage.

Nose

The bouquet displays striking aromatic complexity, combining notes of ripe red fruit, notably cherries and redcurrants. Aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry enrich the profile, alongside hints of fig and subtle chocolate nuances. A mineral dimension with notes of humus and forest floor completes the aromatic picture, while floral tones of peony add a touch of elegance.

Palate

The attack is marked by immediate suppleness and fluidity. The tannic structure is fine and perfectly integrated into a velvety, silky texture. The concentration on the palate impresses with its richness of flavors and density. A tangy freshness brings vibrancy and precision to the different aromatic layers. The finish is substantial and memorable, leaving persistent impressions of tart red fruit and very fine tannins, with slightly bitter, chocolate-tinged notes.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs harmoniously with fine poultry, notably roast chicken or chicken with mushrooms. It also matches beautifully with red meats such as boeuf bourguignon, tournedos with pepper sauce or wild mushroom sauce. Duck, whether roasted or confit, finds an ideal partner in this Beaune. Delicate game such as woodcock, pheasant, or stewed venison also makes for excellent pairings. Semi-hard cheeses such as aged Comté and fine charcuterie complete the range of possible matches.

Serving and cellaring

This Beaune 2016 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2030, or even beyond for bottles kept in optimal conditions.

The refinement and precision of a Beaune wine

The estate

Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard in Beaune, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the oldest and most prestigious houses in Bourgogne. Owned by Artémis Domaines (François Pinault) since 2022, the estate is led by Frédéric Engerer as CEO and Emmanuel Dumont as Technical Director. With around 130 hectares in the Côte d'Or, including 83 hectares in Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, Bouchard Père & Fils is the largest owner of classified vineyards in Bourgogne. The estate stands out for its historic monopolies, notably the Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus in Beaune. The entire vineyard has been certified organic since 2025.

The vineyard

The vines in Beaune benefit from a favorable exposure that allows Pinot Noir to reach optimal ripeness. The soil composition, combining limestone and clay elements, gives the wine a distinctive minerality and a refined tannic structure.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage holds a singular place in the recent history of Bourgogne. The exceptionally mild winter of 2015-2016, the warmest recorded since 1900, led to early budbreak. The devastating spring frosts of April 26 affected virtually all the vineyards of the Côte d'Or, causing crop losses ranging from 50 to 100% depending on the parcels. Downy mildew attacks also marked the season. From July onward, temperatures rose above seasonal norms, with generous sunshine lasting through the end of October. This climatic reversal allowed the surviving grapes to reach exceptional maturity. Harvest began on September 20 and stretched over a full month, ensuring fruit picked at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

The Pinot Noir grapes underwent traditional vat vinification. The aging of the Beaune 2016 took place in French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months, with the proportion of new barrels ranging between 30 and 40%, the remainder consisting of barrels that had already held several vintages. This approach ensures harmonious oak integration without any dominance of toasty or vanilla notes.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.