# Beaune Premier Cru "Aux Cras" (2018)

- **Producer:** Joseph Drouhin
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €89
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, black cherry, vanilla, cloves, leather, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

Joseph Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru 'Aux Cras' 2018 is a red wine from Burgundy, France, made from 100% Pinot Noir. It is classified as Beaune Premier Cru AOC. The 'Aux Cras' vineyard is situated northwest of Beaune on the upper slopes of the hill, characterized by clay and limestone soils. The name 'Cras' itself signifies stony and limestone ground. Maison Joseph Drouhin, founded in 1880, is a family-owned estate known for its commitment to expressing Burgundy's terroirs, with their own vineyards farmed biodynamically. The 2018 vintage experienced a warm and dry growing season.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Cras' comes from a medieval term for stony, limestone soil.
- The 'Aux Cras' vineyard site was recognized for its quality by the Romans.
- Joseph Drouhin is a pioneer in biodynamic farming for its own vineyards.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and refined tannins complement the protein in meats, while its balanced acidity cuts through richer textures. Earthy notes often found in Pinot Noir can echo the flavors of mushrooms and root vegetables, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The Joseph Drouhin Beaune Premier Cru 'Aux Cras' 2018 is produced using 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The winemaking process involves total destemming followed by fermentation and maceration in small open vats for 2 to 3 weeks, utilizing indigenous yeasts and techniques such as cap punching and pumping-over. Pressing is conducted in a vertical press. The wine then undergoes aging for 14 to 16 months in oak barrels, with 20% to 25% new oak. Grapes are harvested by hand into open-work crates, with sorting if needed. Joseph Drouhin's own vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and they adhere to strict specifications for grapes sourced from partners.