Domaine de Montille’s Beaune Premier Cru Les Sizies 2020 is an elegant red Burgundy that offers a refined expression of Pinot Noir from the heart of the Côte de Beaune. The wine is crafted from meticulously tended vines located in the Premier Cru climat "Les Sizies," a site known for producing balanced, expressive wines with both generous fruit and a classic Burgundian structure. The vinification at Domaine de Montille is marked by a gentle touch: selective hand harvesting, moderate use of whole clusters, and ageing in French oak (with a restrained percentage of new barrels) allow the purity of the fruit and the nuances of the terroir to shine through. The 2020 vintage was marked by optimal ripening conditions, leading to a cuvée that balances ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle floral notes, complemented by fine tannins and a mineral backbone.
Côte de Beaune, the southern segment of Burgundy’s most prestigious slope, is renowned for its limestone-rich soils mixed with clay, which grant the wines remarkable finesse and aromatic complexity. The cool continental climate, with marked seasonal variations, ensures slow ripening and preservation of acidity, key to the region’s defining freshness and longevity. Beaune itself sits at the heart of a region with centuries of viticultural history, where the patchwork of Premier Cru vineyards reflects a dedication to terroir. The Les Sizies climat particularly benefits from its gentle slopes and east-facing exposure, contributing to the elegance and harmony found in this wine.
For food pairings, this Beaune Premier Cru would shine alongside classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or duck breast with a cherry reduction, which would echo the wine’s fruit profile without overwhelming its delicate structure. Roast poultry, veal with creamy mushroom sauce, or even earthy vegetarian dishes like wild mushroom risotto would be excellent companions. For a regional touch, try it with oeufs en meurette, a local speciality featuring poached eggs in a red wine sauce.
To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and silky texture, serve this wine at 15-17°C after allowing it to breathe for an hour. The wine’s potential for further development makes it appealing now, but a few years of cellaring will reward patience with added depth and subtlety.
