THE HOUSE OF BOUCHARD AÎNÉ & FILS IN THE BURGUNDIAN CÔTE D’OR, DATES BACK TO 1750 WITH OVER TWO CENTURIES OF WINE SAVOIR-FAIRE, PASSION AND HISTORY
The pinot noir grape is a notoriously fragile and delicate variety, requiring the perfect soil, climate and care to create a wine that performs, with Burgundy, the homeland of pinot noir, being a leader in this field. The winemakers at Bouchard Aîné & Fils have mastered this art, and have vinified some notable examples of pinot noir, using techniques which enhance the variety’s true expression.
This particular Pinot Noir has been named after Great Councillor, P. Bouchard (1814-1898), the 5th generation of the family who founded a viticulture school, passing on his savoir-faire to future generations. It is a 100% pinot noir varietal wine, the grapes of which are harvested mechanically to achieve a maceration prior to fermentation. The fermentation process takes place in stainless steel tanks for between 18-25 days. In order to extract maximum flavour, aromas and colour pigment from the grape skins, the cap is punched down twice a day, and the juice is pumped over every three days. The wine is then aged for six months in stainless steel tanks, however a portion of it is aged in oak barrels, consisting of 30% new oak, in order to soften the tannins and enhance aromas.
It is bottled in Quincié, and labelled Vin de France, which is a label that can struggle to gain respect being the most basic quality appellation for wines from France. However, some Vin de France can be exceptional given that the best grapes from the best regions can be blended using the best methods to enhance the wine. This particular wine has been made choosing Pinot Noir grapes from both the warmer climate of southern France and its native region of Burgundy.
In appearance, this Grand Conseiller Pino Noir 2017 is a clear, bright-red with some reflections of ruby. On the nose, the prominent aromas are of strawberry and fresh cherry, the essence of the varietal. There are also some oaky aromas as well as a hint of leather notes and liquorice.
This Pinot Noir is ready to drink immediately, but could be kept for up to two years. On the palate, it is predominantly fruity with light tannins, perhaps because the grapes are de-stemmed before fermentation. An interesting wine, because it is light, uncomplex and easy to drink; however, it is also rich and silky with undertones of light oak, leather, hints of spice and a light mineral quality. This means that it can pair well with most foods, from red meat to poultry to cheese.
Bouchard Aîné & Fils
Address: 4 bd Maréchal Foch, 21200 Beaune, France
Phone number: +33(0)3 80 24 06 66
E-mail: magasin@bouchard-aine.fr
Website: www.bouchard-aine.fr
Grand Conseiller Pinot Noir 2017
Type: Pinot Noir, 12.5%
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Price: £9.00
Vin de France
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