Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Burgundy, France

Soil Type: Clayish silt on the surface, clay deeper down. Non-calcareous soil.

Winemaking: Domaine Vougeraie began converting to organic agriculture in 1994, using pest management techniques instead of pest control for the first time. All their vineyards now use organic and biodynamic methods, chosen solely because they respect the environment. One essential factor for healthy vines is the soil, which must provide a balance between grape production and quality. The aim of adding organic material is primarily to put back into the soil what the plant has taken out - no more, no less. Organic fertilisation ensures a lively flora and fauna, whereas chemical fertilisers (which also provide vines with essential nutrients) ultimately sterilise the soil. Light filtration, no fining and 16 months in old oak allows the purity of the fruit to shine through.

ABV: 12.5%

Tasting Note
Soft raspberry and cherry fruit on the nose, leading to a hint of classic farmyard/damp undergrowth so typical of good burgundy. On the palate more red fruits, soft and supple tannins and excellent length. Very moreish - I was gutted when the last drop had been drained!

Cellaring
Perfect now, but will keep for another year or two.

If you like this, why not try… Ata Rangi, 'Crimson' (£14.99), a 'dirty' pinot with more than a nod towards the Old World. Or, for a bit of a curveball, Olivier Merlin's Moulin A Vent (£13.99) - a cru Beaujolais with serious attitude!