# Monthélie Les Duresses Premier Cru (2020)

- **Producer:** Bouchard Père & Fils
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, rose, red cherry, vanilla, cedar, cloves, mushroom, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Monthélie Les Duresses Premier Cru 2020 by Bouchard Père & Fils hails from the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France. This 100% Pinot Noir wine is classified as Monthélie Premier Cru AOC. The village of Monthélie, situated between Volnay and Meursault, has a winemaking heritage dating back to the 9th century. Bouchard Père & Fils, established in 1731, is one of Burgundy's historic wine estates and owns significant vineyard holdings. The estate is actively pursuing organic certification, with a commitment to sustainable practices. This wine represents an opportunity to explore the character of Monthélie, a less-traveled appellation within Burgundy.

## Interesting facts

- Monthélie's winemaking history dates back to the 9th century.
- Bouchard Père & Fils owns 5.94 hectares across three Monthélie plots.
- The estate is in conversion to organic certification by 2025.
- Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy's oldest estates, founded in 1731.

## Food pairing

The medium body and fine-grained tannins of this Pinot Noir complement the protein in meats like duck, veal, and pigeon, creating a balanced palate. Its inherent acidity can cut through richer sauces and fatty elements, while subtle earthy notes can echo flavors found in mushroom-based dishes.

## Wine making process

The Monthélie Les Duresses Premier Cru 2020 is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The winemaking process begins with a manual harvest and meticulous sorting of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in small vats over a period of 8 to 15 days, followed by gentle pressing. The wine then undergoes aging for 8 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with 25-40% of these being new. Bouchard Père & Fils is in the process of converting to organic certification, with some vineyards already managed using organic and biodynamic principles.