Domaine François Lamarche : Echezeaux Grand cru 2016

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Echezeaux Grand cru 2016 from Domaine François Lamarche

Tasting

Nose
The bouquet is highly complex, led by pure aromas of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry. Charming floral notes of violet mingle with subtle hints of spice. With aeration, nuances of undergrowth, damp earth and truffle begin to emerge delicately.

Palate
On the palate, this red wine shows a texture that is both concentrated and remarkably delicate. Vibrant acidity perfectly balances the intensity of the fruit, supported by firm yet silky tannins. The long finish lingers on fragrant notes of dried rose and a filigree minerality.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with fine, flavourful meats such as roast duck breast, herb-crusted rack of lamb or game dishes. It also makes an excellent match for a porcini risotto or a platter of mature cheeses, particularly an aged Comté.

A great Burgundy wine from Domaine François Lamarche

The estate

Founded in the early 20th century by Henri Lamarche, Domaine François Lamarche covers around 11 hectares in the heart of Burgundy, France. Although the family has been growing vines here since 1740, the estate has been run since 2013 by Nicole Lamarche, its current owner and winemaker. The domaine stands out for its prestigious heritage, which includes the monopole of La Grande Rue, and for its artisanal approach, certified organic since 2010, which always favours finesse and elegance.

The vineyard

The plots that produce this Echezeaux are located mainly in the village of Flagey-Échezeaux, within climats renowned for their delicacy, such as Les Champs Traversins, Clos Saint-Denis and Les Cruots. The vines thrive on limestone soils covered with stony clay. The vineyard is farmed organically, with particular care taken to control yields and preserve the natural balance of the soils.

The vintage

The year was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions in spring, with severe frosts followed by outbreaks of mildew, which drastically reduced yields. Fortunately, a hot, dry late summer allowed the surviving bunches to reach optimal ripeness, delivering remarkable natural concentration.

Winemaking and ageing

After entirely manual harvesting and meticulous sorting on a vibrating table, most of the berries are destemmed. Fermentation takes place slowly in temperature-controlled open vats, encouraging a very gentle extraction. To preserve the purity of the fruit and the transparency of the terroir, this Echezeaux Grand cru 2016 was aged exclusively in used oak barrels, without any new wood.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir