Philippe Pacalet, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Bel Air, Burgundy

An introduction to Philippe Pacalet, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Bel Air, Burgundy

The Premier Cru Bel Air cuvée by Philippe Pacalet comes from a small parcel of Pinot Noir vines located in the Premier Cru designated Bel Air vineyard, situated on the upper slopes of the Côte de Nuits right above the Grand Cru climat of Chambertin-Clos de Beze. This proximity to Grand Cru territory naturally means that the vineyard shares many of the favourable characteristics of its southern neighbour, though at a higher elevation the resultant wines are considered lither in their youth. This bottling by Philippe Pacalet champions the natural vibrancy and freshness of the terroir and its microclimate, offering plenty of fruit character and subtle tannins that cushion the linear style of the mid-palate.

Performance

Understanding Philippe Pacalet, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Bel Air, Burgundy

The average age of the vines that comprise the Premier Cru Bel Air cuvée by Philippe Pacalet is 45 years old, and they are farmed organically with most of the viticultural work conducted by hand. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in whole bunches with indigenous yeast for approximately two and half weeks, with punch-downs carried out twice-daily to extract colour, tannins and phenolic compounds. The wine is pressed to mostly neutral French oak barrels where it undergoes élevage for approximately 16 months without any sulphur dioxide additions. This is a perfectly formed example of Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, showing great elegance and purity in the mouth and a supple tannic structure. It should cellar gracefully for at least 15 years under the right conditions.

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