Francois de Nicolay Bourgogne 2022

François de Nicolay Mercurey is a project of Domaine Chandon de Briailles. They purchase whole Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards located in the Mercury area that are certified biodynamic or in-process. After inspecting the grapes during veraison and harvest, they make a selection that is free of added sulfur and yeasts, pure grape must wines, with no other additives. The grapes ferment and mature in the Savigny Les Beaune cellar (a very old cave), without pumping over, filtration or sulfur, and are bottled by hand after spending approximately 18 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. In this way it is possible to preserve the freshness of the wine and allows the terroir to express itself clearly.

Domaine Chandon de Briailles has been in the family since 1834. Initially there were only the Savigny-lès-Beaune and Pernand-Verglesses vineyards. Coming from two monovarietals (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), the wines strongly express all the authenticity of their terroir. The Grands Crus are cultivated in the traditional method with the use of plow horses that unpack and give oxygen to the soils. This allows microlife in the subsoil below to help feed and provide nutrients to the vines. The philosophy is a holistic respect for life that translates into balanced, healthy grapes with the capacity to produce vibrant, pure and seductive wines, which is why in 2005 they completely converted to biodynamic agriculture. The wines are lively and healthy, and are well balanced between acidity and aromas.