Méo-Camuzet : Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" 2021 from Méo-Camuzet

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep, brilliant ruby hue.

Nose

The bouquet opens with aromas of dark fruits, notably black cherry and wild blackberry, accompanied by delicate floral notes. Hints of fine oak and spices add harmonious complexity, while a chalky minerality subtly emerges in the background.

Palate

On the palate, this wine captivates with its silky attack and beautiful roundness. Velvety tannins caress the palate, revealing flavors of lingering dark fruits intertwined with notes of cocoa, licorice, and minerality. Well-integrated acidity brings freshness and balance, leading to an elegant, slightly taut finish. The whole expresses a beautiful harmony between fruit ripeness and classic structure.

Food and wine pairings

This Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" 2021 pairs magnificently with roasted or grilled red meats, particularly Charolais beef or bœuf bourguignon. It also pairs beautifully with feathered game such as roasted woodcock or partridge with wild mushrooms, as well as game stew. Aged washed-rind cheeses, particularly Époisses, make a perfect regional pairing.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve this Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" 2021 at a temperature of 60 to 64°F. One hour of decanting before serving will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic richness and palate finesse.

A Burgundy Grand Cru combining finesse and structure

The estate

Located in Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Méo-Camuzet has embodied Burgundian excellence for over four centuries. Founded on the parcels acquired by Étienne Camuzet at the beginning of the twentieth century, the estate officially adopted its current name in 1981. Since 1989, Jean-Nicolas Méo has been at the helm, now managing approximately eighteen hectares of vines, including prestigious Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels. The estate is distinguished by its style favoring finesse and elegance, a legacy of Henri Jayer's teachings, while applying organic practices respectful of the terroir.

The vineyard

The Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" comes from a parcel located on the hill of Corton, north of Aloxe-Corton, at an altitude of 273 meters. This climat takes its name from the many stones that dot the soil. The terroir is characterized by brown and red clay soils, enriched with potash-rich marls, resting on a limestone bedrock. The particularly favorable south-east exposure allows the Pinot Noir to fully thrive and gives the wine a distinctive minerality along with intense aromas.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by contrasting weather conditions. After a cool start to the season, premature summer temperatures in April stimulated bud break, followed by a brutal frost episode in early April that reduced yields. A cool and rainy May slowed the vegetative cycle, before a return to milder temperatures in June allowed for good flowering. A rainy period from late June to early August required significant vineyard work, before the weather stabilized in mid-August. Harvesting began around September 18–20, dates more traditional than in previous years. This vintage produced wines characterized by freshness and classic elegance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Corton Grand Cru "Les Perrières" 2021 are hand-harvested and then rigorously sorted. After complete destemming, vinification is carried out with indigenous yeasts, favoring a minimally interventionist approach. Aging takes place in oak barrels for approximately seventeen months, allowing optimal maturation while preserving the wine's finesse. Bottling is done by gravity, without filtration or fining, in order to preserve the wine's integrity and authenticity.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir