Country - France

Region - Burgundy

Grape Varieties - 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol by volume - 13%

Bottle - 75cl

Domaines Les Astrelles is situated in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin. It takes its name from the fusion of ‘Astre’ meaning stars, and ‘Les Parcelles’, to form Les Astrelles, representing the similarity between the mosaic of plots and ‘lieu-dits’ and the stars within a galaxy, each with its unique individuality. Jean Marie and Isabelle Chapier took over the 11-hectare domain in 2019 from Pierre Naigeon and have started investing in the estate; the estate has been certified organic since 2019, the average age of the vines is remarkably high, mostly over 50 years, which endows the wines with an extraordinary quality, maturity and concentration. Cellar master Julien Millet, (son of François Millet the former winemaker of Comtes de Vogüé), meticulously crafts wines using indigenous yeasts resulting in silky and elegant cuvées with lovely freshness and beautiful balance.

Marsannay is the northernmost appellation in the Côtes de Nuits and is the only appellation to have AOC status for the production of red, white and rosé wine. The climate is continental here, with warm, sunny days during the growing season, and cool evenings, which allows for the gradual ripening of the fruit with natural balancing acidity. The vineyard is situated in the lieu-dit of Sampagny where the vines are cultivated traditionally. Vinified following a philosophy of minimal intervention and low-sulphur use. The grapes were meticulously selected and gently vinified with wild, indigenous yeasts to ensure the greatest expression of the fruit and the terroir. The wine was matured for 15 months in 100% French oak barriques adding refined complexity.

Here is a nose that is properly open and shows a fine clarity, even a little floral component. This is a great wine – properly structured but completely delicious.