2023 Raquillet - Mercurey Vieilles Vignes (750ml)

Domaine François Raquillet has stayed in the same family for eleven generations, with records of winemaking in Mercurey dating back to the 1600s. François took the reins in 1990 and turned the estate toward natural winemaking, low yields and painstaking vineyard work. Today the domaine is regarded as one of the finest addresses in the Côte Chalonnaise, offering a level of quality that rivals wines from far more expensive appellations.

Vieilles Vignes is a selection of the domaine's oldest vines, drawn from three separate holdings across Mercurey rather than a single climat. The grapes are hand-harvested and hand-sorted, then aged in Burgundian oak barrels with a modest fifteen to twenty percent new wood. The approach favors the spicy, savory character that old Pinot Noir vines can give, over any heavy oak influence.

The wine shows the spicy, savory character old-vine Pinot Noir is known for, with a fresh, lively palate that makes it easy to keep pouring. Dark fruit and gentle spice carry through to a well-balanced finish, with just enough structure to reward a little patience. Serve it with roast pork, grilled duck breast, or a rustic country pâté.