Chanson : Beaune 1er cru "Clos du Roi" Domaine 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" Domaine 2020 from Chanson

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a vivid, brilliant ruby-red color, reflecting the fine ripeness of the grapes and the vintage’s natural concentration.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of fresh red fruits, notably raspberry and cherry, complemented by delicate floral notes. With aeration, the bouquet reveals nuances of sweet spices, gingerbread and soft vanilla, alongside a chalky minerality characteristic of the terroir.

Palate

The attack is direct and juicy, unveiling a generous, rounded texture. The remarkably elegant, micro-fine tannins shape the palate without any aggressiveness. The mid-palate reveals concentrated substance dominated by ripe red and black fruits, enhanced by notes of licorice. Long and persistent, the finish lingers on licorice-tinged and mineral impressions.

Food and wine pairings

This Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" Domaine 2020 pairs harmoniously with a fine grilled rib of beef or roasted furred game. It also elegantly accompanies traditional Burgundian dishes such as bœuf bourguignon, coq au vin or œufs en meurette. Aged cheeses such as Comté or Brie de Meaux also make excellent matches.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now but offers cellaring potential through around 2030. It is recommended to store it in optimal conditions, at a stable temperature between 12 and 14°C, away from light and vibrations.

A Beaune 1er Cru combining finesse and Burgundian minerality

The estate

Founded in 1750 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Simon Verry, Domaine Chanson is built around a royal medieval bastion that has become an iconic aging cellar. Owned by the Bollinger group since 1999, it has been led by Thierry Berger, Managing Director since 2025. The vineyard totals 88 to 90 hectares, including 43 to 45 historic hectares in Côte de Beaune, farmed organically with certification obtained in 2024, and 45 hectares acquired in 2023 in Côte Chalonnaise.

The vineyard

The climat Clos du Roi lies in the northern part of the Beaune appellation, on the edge of Savigny-lès-Beaune. The vineyard benefits from an east-southeast exposure, favorable for the optimal ripening of Pinot Noir. The soils are composed of brown earth rich in clay and iron oxides, resting on a Jurassic limestone subsoil. This distinctive soil composition gives the wines an elegant tannic structure and a distinctive limestone-driven minerality.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Burgundy stands out for generous climatic conditions, marked by significant heat during the summer, particularly intense from late July and throughout August. This exceptional warmth led to an early harvest beginning in late August, resulting in a natural concentration of the grapes. Despite the heat, the wines retained notable acidity and a satisfying balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos du Roi" Domaine 2020 were fermented in wooden vats, allowing beneficial micro-oxygenation and gradual extraction. During extraction, the estate alternates punch-downs and pump-overs to produce a fruity, structured wine with silky tannins. Aging takes place over 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, providing a measured oak influence without overshadowing the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir