Bourgogne Pinot Blanc 2023 Domaine Lecheneaut

The Bourgogne Pinot Blanc 2023 from Domaine Lécheneaut is the most confidential and unexpected cuvée from this Nuits-based domaine, whose vocation is exclusively red wine. Only a few hundred bottles, from a Pinot Blanc parcel planted on the characteristic limestone soils of the Côte de Nuits, vinified with the same rigour and precision as the rest of the range. A rare white that expresses with candour and sincerity all that this forgotten Côte de Nuits varietal can offer that is most pure and precise.

Terroir and the vineyards

Pinot Blanc is one of the most confidential and least known grape varieties in Burgundy, a natural mutation of Pinot Noir that long coexisted in Burgundian vineyards before being gradually replaced by Chardonnay. A few passionate vignerons still keep a few rows, often within their Pinot Noir parcels, producing whites of such frankness, lightness and minerality that they have a singular personality in the Burgundian vineyard. Domaine Lécheneaut's parcel is planted on the clay and limestone soils characteristic of the Côte de Nuits, whose geological richness and natural minerality give this Pinot Blanc remarkable aromatic tension and precision. Vinification is faithful to the domaine's philosophy: manual harvest, gentle pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, ageing on fine lees in old oak barrels without new wood, to preserve all the purity and natural freshness of the varietal.

Tasting profile

The colour is pale yellow with green glints, limpid and crystalline, with immediate visual clarity and lightness. The nose is delicate and refined, in the pure and direct register characteristic of Pinot Blanc on limestone soils, with aromas of white flowers, acacia and hawthorn, accompanied by notes of crisp green apple, fresh pear and a light touch of lemon, with precise limestone minerality that brings depth and tension to a bouquet of remarkable frankness and spontaneity. On the palate, the texture is light and silky, supported by fresh and well-integrated acidity that structures a delicate and precise body. Minerality runs through the palate with elegance and persistence. The finish is clean, floral and slightly mineral, with a purity and freshness that immediately invites another glass. A white to drink within two to four years to enjoy all its vivacity.

The domaine

Domaine Lécheneaut was founded in Nuits-Saint-Georges in the late 1950s by Fernand Lécheneaut. In 1986, his sons Philippe and Vincent took over, expanding the domaine to 10 hectares across 18 appellations and modernising its facilities. Since 2017, Jules Lécheneaut, the third generation, has joined the operation to ensure continuity of this heritage. The wines consistently demonstrate great precision in their ageing and vinification, and prices have remained reasonable, making it an excellent reference for Côte de Nuits.

Food pairings

This Bourgogne Pinot Blanc will pair beautifully with fine oysters, steamed scallops, river fish in parchment with fresh herbs, sole meunière, white asparagus with mousseline sauce or fresh goat cheese. It will also be perfect as an aperitif, served well chilled between 10 and 12°C, with some Comté gougères or a fine charcuterie board. A confidential and charming white, to share with those curious to discover Pinot Blanc from the Côte de Nuits.