# La Tâche Grand Cru (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €7000
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, black cherry, violet, raspberry, blackberry, red cherry, cloves, cedar, vanilla, earth, dried fruit, tobacco, leather, mushroom

## About this wine

La Tâche Grand Cru is a prestigious appellation in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits, exclusively owned by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC). This monopole vineyard, meaning DRC is the sole proprietor, allows for complete stewardship from vine to bottle. The vineyard's name, derived from 'La Tâche' meaning 'the task' or 'the patch', hints at its historical land divisions. Its roots trace back to monastic origins, contributing to its deep viticultural heritage. The 2002 vintage, from an excellent growing season, offers a refined expression of this celebrated terroir, known for its opulent complexity and profound connection to its specific plot of land.

## Interesting facts

- La Tâche vineyard is a monopole of DRC.
- Vineyard name means 'the task' or 'the patch'.
- Parts of the vineyard date back to monastic times.
- DRC has practiced organic farming since 1985.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and fine-grained tannins complement the richness of proteins like lamb and duck. Its complex aromatic profile, often featuring earthy and savory notes, harmonizes with ingredients like mushrooms and root vegetables. Acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes, preventing palate fatigue.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for La Tâche begins with hand-harvesting, ensuring only the ripest and healthiest grapes are selected. The grapes are gently destemmed and crushed before undergoing fermentation, often with indigenous yeasts, which contributes to the wine's complexity. Extended maceration allows for optimal extraction of color, tannins, and aromas. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for around 17-18 months, with the proportion of new oak carefully managed. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti adheres to organic farming principles, emphasizing vineyard health and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process to allow the unique terroir of La Tâche to be expressed.