Grands Echezeaux 2021 Robert Sirugue

Grape Varieties

Grands Echézeaux, like almost all red Grand Cru Côte de Nuits, is 100% Pinot Noir. The soils here are deeper and richer in clay than in neighboring Echézeaux, which gives the wines fleshiness and roundness; in the worst years, such as 2021, the clay content is a quiet advantage. It softens the edges that are usually exposed in colder years.

Cellaring Potential

Our recommendation: 2021 can be drunk earlier than 2020 and 2019 due to its low alcohol content, but the acidity takes time to settle. The best time to drink is 2027-2040, with the best period coming after 2030; store at 12-14°C.

The Producer

Vosne-Romanée wine has been passed down for four generations, but most wine lovers have never heard of it, because most of the production goes directly to top restaurants, bypassing retail. The Sirugue family has historical ties to the Jayer and Grivot dynasties. Today, Marie-France runs the estate with her brother Jean-Louis and son Arnaud.

Terroir & Climate

Grands Echézeaux is located on a small plateau above the Clos de Vougeot in the commune of Flagey-Echézeaux. The limestone bedrock is overlain by deep clay and this clay is important because it retains moisture throughout the dry summer (such as in 2022) and gives the wine a denser and more lush structure.

Winemaking

All the work is done by hand and the grapes are completely de-stemmed. No whole bunches are used. Cold maceration is then carried out in stainless steel before fermentation to gently extract color and aromas before alcoholic fermentation begins. Each plot is fermented separately, so only the best Grands Echézeaux fruit is included in the final blend. The wine is aged in French oak for 16-18 months, with a moderate amount of new oak. The oak is enough to frame the wine, but not enough to overshadow the vineyard.

Food Pairing

The 2022's density calls for substantial dishes. Try it:

• Roast duck with cherry sauce, where the red fruitiness of the wine meets the sauce.
• Coq au vin, a classic Burgundy dish.
• Game and Pinot Noir are a near-perfect pairing.
• Aged Époisses if you want to emphasize the spiciness.

Serve at 16-17°C. Decant at a young age. Avoid too strong spices when pairing with these unusual wines.