Ladoix Les Combottes 2023 Domaine d'Ardhuy

The Ladoix Les Combottes Rouge 2023 from Domaine d'Ardhuy is one of the domaine's most generous and expressive cuvées, drawn from a substantial parcel with rolling relief that takes its name from the Burgundian "combottes", a diminutive of combe, referring to the topographic depression extending from the Combe des Buis at Ladoix-Serrigny. A Pinot Noir of pleasure and character, vibrant in its youth, its vigour tempered by a fleshy palate with soft, velvety tannin structure.

Terroir and vineyard

Les Combottes is a substantial parcel situated at Ladoix-Serrigny, in the continuation of the Combe des Buis, with characteristic rolling relief. Facing full south-west at around 250 metres altitude, at the foot of the Corton hillside, it benefits from generous sun exposure that encourages early ripening and remarkable grape maturation. The soil is argilo-calcareous and complex, formed from hillside deposits, varied scree and colluvial silts over chailles, small hard limestone pebbles from the Buisson debris cone, which provide these relatively fertile soils with excellent drainage, favouring early ripening and aromatic concentration in Pinot Noir. Old massal selections grow alongside younger vines planted with clonal selections, for an average age of around 50 years. Vinification follows the domaine's philosophy: hand-harvested, rigorous sorting on arrival at the vinery, 100% destemmed, alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel vats with alternating punch-downs and pump-overs, run-off and pressing of the marc, ageing in French oak for at least 10 months before bottling.

Tasting profile

The robe is a sustained ruby red with violet reflections, brilliant and densely coloured. The nose is intense, open and expressive: notes of raspberry and cherry assert themselves frankly and generously, accompanied by aromas of ripe dark fruits, blackberry and blackcurrant, spicy nuances and a fresh eucalyptus note characteristic of the Les Combottes terroir. On the palate, the wine is powerful, full of fruit and remarkable persistence, with a frank attack and fleshy palate with soft, velvety tannin structure. Fine, well-integrated acidity ensures good length and some ageing potential. The finish is generous, fruity and gently spiced, with the gourmand, immediate character that defines the appeal of this village Ladoix. A wine of pleasure to drink over the next five to eight years.

The domaine

Domaine d'Ardhuy is a historic Burgundy property, ideally situated at Corgoloin, between the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits. With over 125 years of history, the domaine today cultivates with rigour and passion one of the region's finest mosaics of terroir across nearly forty-two hectares, from the Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot to the Premiers Crus of Savigny-lès-Beaune. Managed in certified organic agriculture, vinification is minimalist, using indigenous yeasts, with gentle extractions and tailored ageing to reveal without artifice the personality of each parcel.

Food pairing

This Ladoix Les Combottes Rouge pairs beautifully with veal chop in mushroom sauce, a stir-fry of vegetables and poultry, fine charcuterie, summer grills, roast chicken with herbs or a board of soft-paste cheeses such as Époisses or Brillat-Savarin. Served between 14 and 16°C, lightly chilled, it will reveal the full fruity generosity and natural appeal of a village Ladoix from one of the Côte de Beaune's finest houses.