Vosne Romanée 1er cru Les Beaux Monts 2023 Domaine Bertagna

The Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts 2023 from Domaine Bertagna is one of the most precious bottles from this historic Vougeot estate, drawn from a parcel of just 92 ares nestled between two of Burgundy's greatest names. For many purists, Les Beaux Monts deserves Grand Cru status in its own right, sitting as it does between the Échézeaux and Richebourg. Less than a hectare of legendary ground.

The terroir and parcel

Les Beaux Monts occupies an absolutely noble position on the Vosne-Romanée slope, enclosed by the Échézeaux to the north and Richebourg to the south. This rocky hillside terroir with excellent natural drainage shares the same geological foundation as its illustrious Grand Cru neighbours. Light, stony soils, rich in limestone and well-drained, create the mineral character and aromatic precision that distinguish Les Beaux Monts among all of Vosne's Premier Crus. Domaine Bertagna's parcel covers just 0.92 hectares, planted entirely in Pinot Noir at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare, with yields strictly controlled through bud-rubbing and green harvesting. Grapes are hand-picked with selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table. Vinification follows the domaine's philosophy: berries are sorted and vinified 30 to 50 per cent as whole clusters according to the vintage's character, with slow, controlled fermentation lasting a minimum of three weeks and frequent punchdowns. Ageing lasts 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 50 per cent new. The domaine is farmed organically.

Tasting profile

The robe is a deep ruby with violet highlights, dense and luminous. From the first nosing, there is an aromatic precision worthy of the greatest wines: crushed raspberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, delicate oak. Aromas of ripe dark fruits, blackberry and bilberry, open on aeration to reveal violets and a precise, stony minerality that anchors the wine in its exceptional terroir. The 50 per cent new oak ageing brings a subtle vanilla patina and finely integrated toasted notes. The palate is very full, with a salinity that strikes true with each sip. Rich yet delicate, the mouth displays elegant sensuousness, caressing and structured, with finely textured tannins and fresh, well-integrated acidity that bring tension, length and ageing potential. The finish is persistent, mineral and remarkably deep. A Premier Cru for the cellar, ready from 2027 and promising beautiful evolution over ten to fifteen years.

The domaine

Domaine Bertagna is located in Vougeot, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, its buildings opening onto the famous Clos de Vougeot. Founded by Claude Bertagna and acquired in 1982 by the German Reh family, it is today directed by Eva Reh-Siddle, great-granddaughter of the founder and a woman of conviction whose passion for Burgundy and its terroir guides every decision at the domaine. She is supported by Denis Rozat, leading production, in perpetuating rigorous and precise winemaking across 17 hectares covering 18 appellations, including five remarkable Grand Crus: Chambertin, Clos Saint-Denis, Clos de Vougeot, Corton and Corton-Charlemagne.

Food pairings

This Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts will pair beautifully with hare royale perfumed with Burgundy truffle, pheasant breast Rossini, roasted truffle-stuffed turkey, venison loin with wild berries or Wagyu beef fillet in black truffle jus. It will also find harmony with mature cheeses such as Époisses or Soumaintrain. Decanting for at least one hour is recommended in its youth. Served between 16 and 17 °C, it will progressively reveal all the depth, breeding and nobility of a Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru nestled between two of Burgundy's greatest Grand Crus.