# Beaune du Château 1er Cru Rouge (2020)

- **Producer:** Bouchard Père & Fils
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, black cherry, ripe fruit, red cherry, cloves, cedar, vanilla, mushroom, dried fruit, earth, leather

## About this wine

The Beaune du Château 1er Cru Rouge is a distinctive cuvée from Bouchard Père & Fils, a historic Burgundy estate founded in 1731. This wine is unique as it is a blend sourced from 17 different Premier Cru vineyards within the Beaune appellation, offering a broad representation of the terroir. The estate is committed to responsible viticulture, with a goal of organic certification. The Beaune region, situated in the Côte de Beaune, is celebrated for producing classic Pinot Noir wines. The 2020 vintage was warm, resulting in concentrated fruit profiles.

## Interesting facts

- A cuvée from 17 different Beaune Premier Cru parcels.
- Vineyards are old, with yields as low as 20 hl/ha in 2020.
- Aged in cellars within the ancient Château de Beaune.
- Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy's oldest estates (est. 1731).

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced tannins and acidity complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, while its fruit notes can echo or contrast with sauces. Earthy flavors in dishes like mushroom risotto find a natural partner in the wine's complexity.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this Beaune 1er Cru begins with hand-harvested grapes, with 80% of the stems removed. Fermentation occurs in small vats over 15-18 days, followed by gentle pressing. The wine then undergoes aging for 12-14 months in French oak barrels, with 20-35% of the barrels being new. This maturation takes place in the historic cellars of the Château de Beaune. The estate has been committed to responsible viticulture since 2009 and is working towards organic certification.