# Pinot Noir Grande Réserve (2025)

- **Producer:** Ropiteau Frères
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €11
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, cloves, coffee

## About this wine

Established in 1848 in Meursault, Burgundy, Ropiteau Frères is historically revered for high-end white and red Burgundy. With the Grande Réserve Pinot Noir, the estate intentionally steps outside its native region to apply its centuries of Burgundian expertise to southern French fruit, crafting an accessible, elegant wine. The 2025 vintage marks a historic milestone for the house, representing a collaborative transition between two generations of winemakers: the veteran cellarmaster Nicolas Burnez, who joined in 2003, and his talented young apprentice Justine Pillot. This wine serves as both a succession showcase and an apprentice trial, marrying traditional know-how with a forward-thinking modern vision.

## Interesting facts

- The 2025 vintage represents a historic passing of the torch from veteran cellarmaster Nicolas Burnez to his apprentice Justine Pillot.
- Prominent Scandinavian wine critics have awarded this wine 'FYND!' (Bargain) status for its exceptional quality-to-price ratio.
- Although produced by a historic Burgundy house, the grapes are sourced from the sun-drenched clay-limestone soils of Languedoc-Roussillon.

## Food pairing

This light-to-medium-bodied Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with lean meats and earthy dishes. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of poultry and pork, while its soft, silky tannins do not overpower delicate flavors. The wine's subtle earthy undertones make it an exceptional partner for mushroom-based dishes and classic French hard cheeses like Comté.

## Wine making process

The grapes are sourced from select clay-limestone parcels within the Pays d'Oc in Southern France. To preserve natural acidity, bright primary fruit aromatics, and structural elegance, the grapes are harvested at night under cool temperatures. Vinification is carried out with traditional Burgundian sensibilities in modern, temperature-controlled facilities. The wine undergoes aging with partial French oak contact (approximately one-third of the blend) to introduce structure, subtle vanilla, and gentle spice notes without masking the delicate, primary red fruit character of the Pinot Noir.