Chandon de Briailles : Corton Grand cru "Maréchaudes" 2022

The Elegance and Minerality of a Corton Grand Cru Wine

The Estate

Founded in 1834 in Burgundy, Domaine Chandon de Briailles spans 14 hectares around Savigny-lès-Beaune. Still in the hands of the same family since its founding, it is now owned by Count Aymard-Claude and Countess Claude de Nicolay. Day-to-day management is handled by the brother-and-sister duo, Claude and François de Nicolay. A pioneer, the estate stands out for its complete conversion to biodynamics since 2005. Working the soil with draft horses and a low-intervention approach reflect the philosophy of this estate, dedicated to the authentic expression of its terroirs.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from the "Maréchaudes" climat, located in the commune of Aloxe-Corton, within the Corton Grand Cru appellation. This roughly 0.4-hectare terroir is divided into two plots of old vines planted in 1975 and 1980. Located on the lower and middle sections of the slope, the vines benefit from a favourable east to east-southeast exposure. The soils, marked by a reddish colour, are composed of iron-rich clay and limestone, providing optimal natural drainage. The entire vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, with the soil worked exclusively by draft horses.

The Vintage

The year 2022 was marked by exceptional heat and drought, stretching from spring through to the harvest. Despite these extreme weather conditions, the vines adapted well without suffering excessive stress. The absence of fungal pressure, such as mildew or rot, allowed for a harvest of berries in perfect health. This sun-drenched vintage ultimately delivered normal yields and grapes combining lovely ripeness with preserved freshness.

Winemaking and Aging

For this Corton Grand Cru "Maréchaudes" 2022, harvesting and sorting are carried out by hand. Vinification takes place with 100% whole clusters, in traditional wooden vats, with strict temperature control kept below 30°C. Fermentation starts spontaneously, driven by indigenous yeasts. The estate favours gravity for pumping over and performs manual punching down to preserve the delicacy of the aromas. The wine is then aged for 14 to 18 months in used French oak barrels, limiting the influence of new wood. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration.

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir (100%).

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Corton Grand Cru "Maréchaudes" 2022

Tasting

Colour
A deep garnet colour, adorned with violet highlights while retaining a beautiful, luminous clarity.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of ripe dark fruit, such as black cherry and raspberry, mingled with touches of undergrowth and chalky minerality. With aeration, it reveals great complexity, with subtle floral nuances, delicate herbs and refined spices.

Palate
The attack is generous and velvety, introducing a silky texture and natural balance. The mid-palate expresses flavours of black cherry and blackcurrant, supported by a mineral backbone evoking chalk. The tannins, present yet extremely fine, accompany a lingering finish, drawn out on mineral freshness and light spicy notes.

Food and Wine Pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with top-quality roasted meats, such as beef fillet or rib of beef. It also enhances feathered game, such as guinea fowl or pheasant, as well as wild meats served with light jus. As for cheeses, it pairs perfectly with moderately pungent, aged varieties such as Époisses or a mature Comté.

Service and Storage

To reveal its full complexity, it is recommended to serve this Corton Grand Cru "Maréchaudes" 2022 at a temperature between 16 and 17°C. This wine can be enjoyed from 2027 onwards, but it will continue to evolve favourably until around 2037.