Le Clos des Langres rouge 2023 Domaine d'Ardhuy

Le Clos des Langres Monopole Rouge 2023 from Domaine d'Ardhuy is the domaine's most historic and emblematic cuvée, a property owned by the Chapter of Langres Cathedral since the 11th century and cited prominently in Dr Lavalle's landmark 1855 work. A 3-hectare monopoly at the heart of Burgundy's vineyards, positioned at the precise border between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, it produces a Pinot Noir of such richness, concentration and length that for centuries it has been compared to the finest wines of far more celebrated communes. The 2023 vintage brings great finesse, with white flowers and citrus notes joining the characteristic red fruits.

Terroir and monopoly

Situated between Ladoix-Serrigny and Corgoloin, on a synclined relief conducive to drainage and a luminous, aerated microclimate, Clos des Langres slopes gently from 245 to 255 metres altitude, facing south-east. The southern wall of this parcel marks the geological and historical border between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, a frontier few vineyards have the honour to cross. The soil is calcareous brown, composed of organic-detrital limestones from the terminal Bathonian and Callovian periods, a "Dalle nacrée" facies that imparts to Pinot Noir a concentration, depth and length that are extraordinary for a Côte de Nuits-Villages appellation. The 3.03-hectare parcel holds vines with an average age of 55 years, the youngest 30 and the oldest 70. Winemaking is precise and minimalist: manual harvest and rigorous sorting, complete or partial destemming according to vintage, rapid fermentation start without pre-fermentation maceration, natural extraction of aromas and tannins through punching-down alone, 12 to 14 days on skins, then assemblage of free-run and first-press wines. Ageing lasts 12 to 18 months in Bertranges oak at 30% new barrels, with light filtration before bottling.

Tasting profile

The 2023 vintage produced a cuvée of great finesse, with an aromatic palette of remarkable delicacy and complexity. The robe is deep ruby with violet reflections, bright and clear. The nose is immediately rich and seductive: notes of fresh red fruits, raspberry and cherry, accompanied by darker fruit aromas, blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry, spice nuances of liquorice, cocoa and sweet pepper, and a lightly floral touch characteristic of this vintage. On the palate, the texture is silky and remarkably comfortable, underpinned by an elegant and balanced tannin structure. Fine yet present acidity ensures impressive longevity. The aromatic palette develops towards roasting and flint notes that signal fine evolution in bottle. The finish is long, ample and generous, with that particularly charming character that is the constant signature of this historic clos. Drink from 2027 through 2034.

The domaine

Domaine d'Ardhuy is a historic Burgundy property, ideally located at Corgoloin between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. With more than 125 years of history, the domaine today cultivates with rigour and passion one of the region's finest mosaics of terroirs across some forty-two hectares, from Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot to the Premier Crus of Savigny-lès-Beaune. Run under certified organic farming, winemaking is minimalist, conducted with native yeasts and gentle extraction to reveal without artifice the personality of each parcel.

Food pairings

This Clos des Langres Rouge pairs beautifully with beef Bourguignon simmered slowly, game birds such as partridge with cabbage, côte de boeuf with wild mushrooms, lamb shoulder with Provençal herbs or a board of aged cheeses such as Époisses or aged Comté. Serve between 14 and 16°C with 45 minutes of decanting advised in its youth, to reveal all the fruity richness, tannin generosity and historical depth of one of Côte de Nuits' most precious and captivating monopolies.