In the discreet intimacy of Auxey-Duresses, the Très Vieilles Vignes 2023 from Domaine Alain Gras showcases the nobility of a Pinot Noir sourced from century-old vines. Here, the clay-limestone soil expresses itself with a straight, clear line, while the old vines provide a natural, almost calligraphic concentration of fruit. A true Burgundian score, this cuvée stands out for its sustained energy, gently rounded tannins and a subtly mineral persistence, echoing the underlying limestone. The deliberately limited production gives this red wine a confidential character aimed at lovers of precision, epicureans seeking honest emotion and inspired gastronomy. 2023 offers an inviting ripeness balanced by floral freshness, allowing immediate enjoyment after decanting, while promising nuanced development over the coming decade. A creation of patience and handcraft that captures the spirit of the place with tact and elegance.

Assemblage et vinification

Made exclusively from Pinot Noir from very old vines, this 2023 is the result of haute couture winemaking. Harvesting is manual with careful sorting, the grapes are 100% destemmed to prioritise fruit purity and texture harmony. Fermentation lasts 12 to 15 days, paced by measured extractions to preserve finesse and brightness. Pressing, performed with a pneumatic press, ensures a clear precision of the juices. The wine is aged 12 months in oak barrels, of which about 20% new, bringing patina and complexity without overpowering the Pinot's sap. A gentle racking and respectful bottling complete the process. Everything here works to magnify the expression of the clay-limestone terroir—the seam that signs the wine's uprightness, floral depth and mineral thread.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour: Bright ruby with translucent, lively edges, a crystalline transparency typical of great Pinots, announcing freshness and subtlety.
• Nose: Delicate bouquet of ripe red fruits, Morello cherry and raspberry, edged with perfectly integrated oak, fine notes of polished leather and a hint of musk. Peony and violet accents emerge with aeration, underlining the floral elegance.
• Palate: Gentle entry, juicy core of black cherry, an airy floral weave, chiselled and noble tannins. Precise mineral length, a straight, savoury finish punctuated by a delicate spicy return.

Température de service et conseils

Serve between 16 and 17°C in large Burgundy glasses to reveal the Pinot's floral spectrum and aromatic lace. A decant of 30 to 45 minutes is recommended in youth to release complexity and soften the élevage. Store in a cool cellar away from vibrations and light, lying on its side. The cuvée will reach a peak estimated between 2027 and 2035, with a cellaring potential up to 2037, by which time it will gain tertiary nuances, silkier texture and greater overall depth.

Accords mets et vin

• Grilled red meats: rib steak, bavette with shallots, short jus, to converse with the fruit's sap and the tannins' nobility.
• Delicate roasts: veal loin or rare roast veal, glazed root vegetables, which highlight the floral finesse and mineral length.
• Light game: roasted quail, pheasant, partridge with reduced berry jus, for a subtle match between wildness and pure fruit.
• Fine charcuterie: jambon persillé, country terrine, aged dried sausage, freshly sliced.
• Pressed cheeses: aged Comté, mountain tomme, Brie de Meaux, to preserve the wine's balance and momentum.

Moments de dégustation

This Très Vieilles Vignes is the companion for occasions when the table becomes a stage, between selected conversation and inspired plates. It joins seasonal dinners, bright Sunday lunches and moments marked by the pleasure of opening a bottle conceived for emotional impact.

• To elevate a gourmet dinner at home, centred on precise cooking and top-quality ingredients.
• At a gathering of enthusiasts, where tasters compare and savour the nuances of a great Burgundian terroir.
• As a gift for a connoisseur, destined for a palate curious about fine textures and long, saliva-inducing finishes.

Caractéristiques

• Name: Auxey-Duresses Très Vieilles Vignes 2023, Domaine Alain Gras
• Appellation: Auxey-Duresses AOC
• Type: Red wine, Burgundy
• Grape variety: Pinot Noir (100%)
• Terroir: Clay-limestone
• Vine age: very old vines, over 100 years
• Harvest: manual, strict sorting, grapes 100% destemmed
• Fermentation: 12 to 15 days, measured extractions
• Pressing: pneumatic, precision of the juices
• Ageing: 12 months in oak barrels, about 20% new
• Production: approx. 6000 bottles per year
• Cellaring: peak 2027–2035, potential until 2037
• Serving temperature: 16–17°C