Mercurey 1er Cru le Clos l'Eveque, Chanson

A walled premier cru in Mercurey. Enough structure to sit for a few years if you have the patience, which most people don't.

Terroir In the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, Le Clos l'Évêque is one of the most famous Premiers Crus of Mercurey. The plot oriented east, south-east was named after the archbishop of Chalon sur Saône who were great supporters of this wine which they regularly offered to their most prestigious visitors.

Vintage report After a winter characterized by marked variations in temperature between January and February, spring started with mild temperatures. A sequence of cold weather in April was followed by warm temperatures in May but the lack of water was very noticeable and could not be compensated by the rainy storms of June. Summer was marked by several and long heat waves and the storms of the end of August were most welcome. The harvest at Chanson started on August 30 with a team of 100 persons and ended on September 13. 2022 vintage was quite generous both in volume and quality and the white wines are well-balanced, precise and refreshing.

Winemaking Hand-picked in small crates, followed by rigorous sorting. Partial destemming (50 %), prefermentation cold maceration for 8 days. Fermentation in small-volume stainless steel tanks, with punching down and pumping over adapted to each appellation and vintage to extract color and aroma. Gentle gravity pressing ensures delicate extraction. Aged on fine lees in French oak barrels (25% new, 1 to 6 years old, 228L).

Tasting Bright ruby colour. Floral fragrances (peony) mixed with refreshing aromas of ripe red fruit (cherry and strawberry) mixed with liquorice and pepper notes. Well-crafted and complex. Tight and dense texture. Long and generous finish with crunchy fruit notes.

Food pairing Cooked pork meats, pâté, pie, grilled or roasted meat, fowles and all the local cheeses (Citeaux, Langres, Brillat-Savarin) Critics scores: 92 Wine Spectator 88-91 Burghound