Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur - Beaune Cent-Vignes 1er Cru 2021
On the northern slopes of Beaune, the premier cru Les Cent-Vignes belongs to that family of Burgundian climats whose finesse is based on a remarkable harmony between fruit, freshness, and the delicacy of tannins. Located north of the town, towards Savigny-lès-Beaune, this terroir produces Pinot Noir wines generally softer and more aromatic than those from the southern premier crus of the appellation. Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, established in Volnay, cultivates a plot here that enriches a collection of vineyards mainly spread between Volnay, Meursault, and Beaune. Born from the union of two old winemaking families, the domaine was built around an in-depth knowledge of the different climats of the Côte de Beaune. François Bitouzet pursues attentive viticulture here, favoring soil work, yield control, and vinifications respectful of each parcel's identity. The estate's wines stand out for their classic expression, aromatic precision, and aging that seeks finesse rather than showiness. In this range, Les Cent-Vignes occupies a unique place, offering a particularly graceful face of Beaune Pinot Noir, where the subtlety of the fruit prevails over power.
The Beaune Cent-Vignes 2021 comes from a 1.26-hectare plot planted in 1987 and 1988, on light and sandy clay-limestone soils resting on a stony subsoil. This particular composition favors a delicate expression of Pinot Noir, with tannins generally less firm than on the more clayey terroirs of Beaune. The 2021 vintage posed a real challenge for Burgundian winemakers, between devastating April frosts, summer rainfall, and particularly high sanitary pressure. At the domaine, yields were considerably reduced, imposing a meticulous sorting to keep only grapes with satisfactory maturity. After manual harvesting, the berries are carefully selected, destemmed, then gravity-fed into vats, followed by a cold pre-fermentation maceration and natural fermentation under indigenous yeasts. Extractions are adapted to the delicacy of the vintage, then the wine continues its aging in oak barrels for about twelve to sixteen months. This fresh year thus gives birth to a premier cru favoring aromatic finesse, fruit freshness, and an elegant structure rather than concentration.
The Beaune Cent-Vignes Premier Cru 2021 develops a delicate bouquet of redcurrant, red cherry, and fresh raspberry, accompanied by floral nuances evoking violet and peony. Some touches of anise, white pepper, and fresh earth add relief to this particularly nuanced expression of Pinot Noir. On the palate, the attack is supple and precise, with a refined texture that quickly reveals the finesse of the tannic grain. The acidity, characteristic of this northern vintage in its expression, supports the fruit and gives the wine a sensation of lightness without lacking persistence. The finish stretches on notes of small red fruits, dried flowers, and discreet spices, with that almost airy delicacy that charms the Cent-Vignes. Its personality calls for refined cuisine but without excessive richness: a roasted pullet, a veal fillet with chanterelles, a slightly pink pigeon, or a mushroom risotto will harmoniously accompany its silky texture. Already pleasant for lovers of fresh and delicate Burgundies, it can evolve favorably over several years, gaining nuances of undergrowth and candied red fruits while retaining its natural elegance.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
