A Beaune To Pick
There is nothing like the seductive bouquet of a great red Burgundy. And the town of Beaune with its surrounding vineyards is the place to start. Beaune is the heart and soul and center of the wine trade of Burgundy and has been so since the Middle Ages. Wine has made Beaune famous and world renowned and even those who will never have the opportunity to visit will repeat its name in reverence.
Ancestors of the Berger family have owned the Manoir (Manor House) de Mercey since the French Revolution. In fact, the property’s history can be traced even further back to the 13th century when the Benedictine monks of Cluny built the first Priory and started planting grapes. Currently, the estate covers 26 hectares of prime vineyards situated in the higher slopes of the southern Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation. Always 100% Pinot Noir, “Au Paradis” is a 3.3-hectare plot planted in 1967. Bright ruby in colour, the bouquet evokes aromas of red fruits. The medium body finishes with a crisp, underpinning acidity and then trails off into a beautiful, delicately balanced finish. Classic red Burgundy! France’s highly esteemed Gilbert & Gaillard Wine Challenge awarded it a Gold Medal in 2022. Still young, decanting before serving would enhance the overall taste experience but laying down for 4-5 years, if you can wait that long, would allow this wine to demonstrate its peak level of enjoyment. Meat dishes and soft cheeses are a tasty pairing, but for something totally different we would savour this Pinot Noir with a rabbit roast.
2020 Manoir de Mercey Hautes Côtes de Beaune “Au Paradis” LCBO # 20913, $38.95