Au Pied du Mont Chauve : Saint-Aubin 1er cru "Le Charmois" 2019

An aromatic and delicate Pinot Noir from Domaine Au Pied du Mont-Chauve

The estate

The daughter of one of the greatest winemaking families in Burgundy, Francine Picard took over the estate previously run by her father in the late 1990s. Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve spans the villages of Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin, in the heart of Burgundy's finest climats and terroirs.

Seeking a true synergy between the land and the wines, Francine Picard farms her plots according to biodynamic principles and devotes passion and meticulous care to crafting wines that reflect the identity of their terroir.

Grown on 110 hectares of vineyards farmed using “agroecological” methods, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve are renowned for their quality, precision and elegance.

In May 2019, Antoine Lepetit de la Bigne, a specialist in biodynamic viticulture, joined the Domaine's team as Technical Director.

The vineyard

The vines for this Saint-Aubin 1er Cru "Le Charmois" 2019 from Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve were planted in the mid-1970s on a mid-slope terroir with brown, limestone-rich soil. Here, Pinot Noir is grown on a terroir typically associated with white wines.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage was shaped by a hot, dry year with three heatwaves between June and the end of August. While yields were moderate due to the lack of water, quality is exceptional.

The Chardonnays are rich and ripe, while showing fine balance and great finesse. 2019 is a great vintage for fully ripe Pinot Noirs displaying intensity, balance and finesse.

Winemaking and ageing

Hand-harvested and hand-sorted, the grapes are destemmed and then transferred to the vats in small stainless-steel carts to avoid damaging them. In keeping with Burgundian tradition, vinification takes place in open, temperature-controlled vats. This Saint-Aubin 1er Cru "Le Charmois" 2019 is aged for 15 months, including 12 months in oak (30% new barrels). The wine is bottled after a light filtration.

Blend

This Saint-Aubin 1er Cru "Le Charmois" 2019 from Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve is made from 100% Pinot Noir.

Tasting

Authentically expressing the character of the grape variety, this Saint-Aubin 1er Cru "Le Charmois" 2019 displays a lovely ruby colour with subtle pink highlights. The complex floral notes on the nose carry through onto the palate of this lively, charming wine.

Food and wine pairing

Braised lamb or lamb in sauce, roast beef, and grilled or roast pork all pair beautifully with this aromatic and delicate wine.

Serving

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16°C.

Ageing

Already approachable, this Saint-Aubin 1er Cru "Le Charmois" 2019 from Domaine Au Pied du Mont Chauve can also be cellared until 2024 to develop its aromatic richness.