Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Red 2019

The renowned premier cru vineyard named Clos des Mouches is located at the southern end of the Beaune appellation, next to Pommard. The Drouhin's vines are mid-slope, on a mild incline with an east/south-east exposure, and is the largest parcel in the Clos des Mouches. Drouhin's 35 acres are planted half with chardonnay and half pinot noir.  The name “mouches” comes from the local dialect. There were once bee-hives in this sun-drenched “clos” (vineyard enclosure), and bees were called “mouches à miel” (honey flies), hence the name Clos des Mouches. It is one of the first vineyards acquired by Maurice Drouhin (the founder’s son) in the 1920’s. With great determination, he bought 41 different parcels from 8 proprietors and created a wine, both red and white, of mythical status. 

The soil in Clos des Mouches is composed of clay and limestone. Rocky soil in the upper part of the vineyard. At the center, the soil is limestone and marl. This light composition is responsible for the great finesse of the wine. Average age of the Pinot Noir vines is 39 years. The Drouhin family has farmed here with organic biological cultivation since 1990, and biodynamic cultivation a few years later. The soil maintenance includes compost of manure and white wood, sometimes guano (seabird manure used as fertilizer). Soil is ploughed either by tractor or by horse to manage weeds. Harvesting is done by hand, in small open crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Sorting of the grapes is done in the vineyard and at the cuverie (winery) if necessary. “Pigeage” (punching down of the cap during fermentation) happens once a day until half of fermentation is done; one pumping over (remontage) per day till the end of the fermentation. Pressing: separation of free run juice from pressed juice. Ageing Type: in barrels (20% in new oak). Length: 14 to 18 months. Origin of the wood: French oak forests (Tronçay in particular). vineyard takes full advantage of the sun exposure to the southeast.

This legendary Pinot Noir is particularly wonderful to serve with filet mignon, duck and ripe cheeses. It is distinguished by its elegance and finesse: round, velvety, and beautifully balanced. It has complexity and depth in a soft but very intense sort of way. Aromas are very refined with ripe black cherry, spices, earthy and lightly smoked notes with just the right touch of tannin. This wine can be put away for 10 years or even 20, depending on the vintage; it can also be enjoyed in its youth, with all its glorious fruitiness.