Louis Jadot : Beaune 1er cru "Aux Cras" Famille Gagey 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Cras" Famille Gagey 2023 by Louis Jadot

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a pale ruby hue, enhanced by subtle garnet reflections.

Nose

Vibrant and expressive, the nose exudes aromas of raspberry and spices, elevated by hints of rose petals and liquorice. With aeration, mineral nuances, pepper and tea leaves unfold with elegance.

Palate

Beautifully full, the palate captivates with its purity and linear structure. Flavours of sweet cherry and strawberry intertwine with fine, silky tannins. Notes of crisp redcurrant and an underlying chalky minerality extend the palate towards a long finish, punctuated by white pepper and dried orange peel.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry such as duck, partridge or quail. It will also enhance earthy dishes based on mushrooms or lentils, as well as beef served rare or as a tartare. To conclude the meal, it will ideally accompany aged cheeses such as Comté or Époisses.

Serving and cellaring

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve this Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Cras" Famille Gagey 2023 at a temperature between 15 and 16°C. Approachable in its youth, this wine has excellent cellaring potential and can evolve in the cellar for a minimum of 5 to 7 years, or even up to fifteen years to fully reveal its complexity.

The elegance and mineral precision of a Beaune Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, the Louis Jadot House is a true institution in Burgundy, France. Now chaired by Thomas Seiter and owned by the American Kopf family, the estate oversees a vast vineyard spanning more than 210 hectares. Renowned for its respectful approach to terroir and its non-interventionist winemaking, the house stands out for its ability to deliver consistent quality, from entry-level wines to the most prestigious crus.

The vineyard

The "Aux Cras" climat is ideally located at the heart of the Beaune appellation. Acquired by the family in 2011, this plot stands out for its vines averaging around forty years of age. The terroir, a former limestone quarry, rests on soils combining red clay, silt and gravel, ensuring excellent drainage. Arranged in three terraces, the vineyard benefits from limestone walls that reflect the sun's heat, thereby promoting optimal ripening of the grapes under a lovely south-east exposure.

The vintage

The 2023 year was marked by contrasting weather conditions. After a warm start to the season followed by a more challenging spring, summer allowed the vine to regain its balance. Late-season rains eased the water stress without increasing yields, which remained low. This unusual growing cycle nonetheless made it possible to obtain berries of great maturity, offering a perfect balance between richness and preserved freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for this Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Cras" Famille Gagey 2023 are hand-harvested. After rigorous sorting, the berries are destemmed before beginning a natural fermentation in oak vats, driven exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The wine is then transferred into oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and ageing of around sixteen months. To preserve the purity of the fruit, the proportion of new barrels is carefully controlled. The wine is bottled without filtration and with minimal fining.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir