# Domaine des Landions Les Cailloutis (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine des Landions
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Neuchâtel - Three Lakes, Switzerland
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €55
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, strawberry, violet, rose, vanilla, cloves, toast, cedar, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

Domaine des Landions, situated in the Neuchâtel region of Switzerland, is a family-run estate managed by the Meier family, renowned for crafting exceptional, Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noir. The estate's vineyards in Cortaillod benefit from a unique microclimate influenced by Lake Neuchâtel and limestone-rich soils. 'Les Cailloutis' translates to 'the pebbles,' highlighting the stony terroir that imparts a distinct mineral character and elegance to this cuvée.

## Interesting facts

- Les Cailloutis is named after the stony, limestone-pebble soils of Cortaillod, which naturally restrict yields and concentrate grape flavors.
- The Meier family of Domaine des Landions is widely credited with elevating Neuchâtel Pinot Noir to international cult status.
- The estate utilizes gravity-flow design in their modern cellar to handle the delicate Pinot Noir grapes as gently as possible.

## Food pairing

This elegant Pinot Noir thrives on balance. Its vibrant acidity cuts through rich, fatty meats like duck or pork, while its moderate tannins do not overwhelm delicate poultry or veal. The earthy undertones of the wine perfectly mirror the savory profiles of wild mushrooms and truffles.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Les Cailloutis are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and meticulously sorted. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with gentle extraction techniques. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (pièces), with a carefully selected percentage of new oak, for approximately 12 to 18 months to integrate structure and complexity without overpowering the delicate Pinot Noir fruit.