VALLET FRÈRES BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR

Tasting notes:

Delicate garnet colour with peppery, strawberry fruit on the nose, the palate is light to medium-bodied with appealing nervy fruit and mouth-watering acidity balancing the dry tannins and elegant red fruit.

About the wine:

Traditional practices have remained relatively unchanged both in the vineyard and the cellar  since Vallet Frères formation in 1864. Strict pruning practices ensure very low yields. The soils are a ploughed mixture of limestone and clay. All harvesting is done by hand.

After harvest, the grapes are not de-stemmed (Vallet Fréres, like Domaine Romanee-Conti, are one of a number of producers who still favour this technique).

The first 10cm of each barrel is filled with grapes which are crushed by foot, the barrel is then topped up with whole bunches before natural fermentation starts 2-3 days afterwards. No artificial yeasts are used.

3-4 times a day the pulp is trodden by foot to further extract colour and flavour. The wines are then left in the open top fermenters until the cap sinks, then the wines are decanted into 20% to 30% well toasted new oak. After 15-20 months ageing the wine is racked, blended and lightly fined. The wines are not filtered, but checked by candlelight, then bottled directly from barrel by hand. 

About the producer:

Vallet Frères was established in 1864. The Vallet family (also known as Bouree Pere et Fils) own holdings in Gevrey Chambertin, Beaune Epenottes (Premier Cru), Charmes-Chambertin (Grand Cru) and the entire single vineyard of Clos de la Justice.

The Vallet family are also negociants, sourcing the best grapes from growers in other areas with whom they have worked for many years. The winery represents the pinnacle of attention to detail, delicate grape selection and a passion for making superb wines. 

Food match:

Serve with a traditionally Coq au Vin. Roast chicken or young game birds and equally good with pasta bakes or wild mushroom linguine.

This wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.