Bourgogne Epineuil L'Ame des Dannots 2023 Domaine Dominique Gruhier

The Bourgogne Épineuil L'Âme des Dannots 2023 from Domaine Dominique Gruhier is the domaine's flagship red cuvée, a Pinot Noir that combines finesse, minerality and elegance, reflecting the profound character of a Kimmeridgian terroir long overlooked. A Chablisienne Pinot Noir in all its purity and tension, fine, juicy, lively, saline and chalky, as American importer Becky Wasserman enthusiastically recognised when she discovered the quiet grandeur of Épineuil. L'Âme des Dannots is still young and reserved in its youth, but the potential is evident.

The terroir and the vineyard

The Dannots parcel is the finest of the domaine, planted on a south-west facing slope open to the wind, on deep Kimmeridgian limestone characteristic of the entire Épineuil appellation. These clay-rich limestones, filled with marine fossils from 150 million years ago and shared with neighbouring Chablis, give this Pinot Noir a saline minerality, natural freshness and aromatic precision that create an absolutely unique red of elegance and tension in Burgundy. The 1.30 hectare parcel of Pinot Noir was planted in 1981. Now over forty years old, the vines are farmed under certified organic methods since 2015, with old massale selections used for replanting elsewhere on the domaine. Naturally low yields concentrate aromas with remarkable intensity and precision. Winemaking is precise and minimalist: 100% whole-bunch harvest, fermentation with indigenous yeasts over three weeks with punchdowns, twelve months ageing in oak barrels with 30% new wood. Sulphur is added only a few months before bottling, at just 25 to 30 ppm.

Tasting profile

The robe is ruby red with purple reflections, luminous and bright. The nose is vibrant and complex, blending notes of red fruit purée, subtle pepper, mineral freshness, violet and thyme. Well-ripened cherry and griottine with gentle spice form an aromatic core of remarkable precision and sincerity, enriched by cinnamon and soft spices from oak ageing. The 100% whole-bunch harvest adds an extra floral and spiced note, with an elegant subtle vegetal character that is the true signature of this winemaking approach. On the palate, red fruits, strawberry and raspberry assert themselves with natural freshness and vibrancy that immediately distinguish this Pinot Noir from riper, more southern expressions. The tannins are silky and elegant, natural acidity brings tension and length. The finish is structured, persistent and beautifully long, with that return of griottine and Kimmeridgian minerality that prolongs the tasting with elegance. Cellaring potential of 8 to 10 years from vintage.

The domaine

Domaine de l'Abbaye du Petit Quincy is a fine Cistercian dependency dedicated to wine production since the 13th century. Sold as national property in 1792, the domaine was acquired in 1989 by Jean-Paul Gruhier and his son Dominique, who has progressively restored this historic vineyard to full viticultural splendour. Since 1999, Dominique has committed to organic production and winemaking without additives, to preserve fruit purity and the authentic expression of a terroir that shares Chablis's Kimmeridgian geological matrix.

Food pairings

This Bourgogne Épineuil L'Âme des Dannots pairs beautifully with eggs in red wine sauce, roast chicken with griottine cherries, quails stuffed with grapes, braised red meat, braised veal with wild mushrooms or stuffed cabbage. For cheese, aged goat's cheeses, Reblochon or Saint-Nectaire. Serve at 16 to 17°C after opening at least one hour ahead. It will reveal all its Kimmeridgian minerality, fruited finesse and natural elegance, the signature of one of Yonne's most committed and sincere winemakers.