2019 Eric de Suremain Monthelie Rouge 1er Cru Clou des Chênes
WINEMAKER: Eric de Suremain
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic
"This is always the demure wine of the group; shy and subtle. A beautiful ruby/garnet colour, very lifted and bright. Very fine aromas, delicate - red fruit, strawberries, jellied cherries. Very fine, very attractive. This has considerable finesse and complexity. Lovely clarity and depth on the finish. Superb." - Andrew Guard
Since 1978 Eric de Suremain has been producing artisan Burgundy from his base at the Chateau de Monthelie. He was one of the first to convert to bio dynamics in Burgundy in 1986 and was the consultant to the late Anne-Claude Leflaive when she turned to bio dynamics in 1999.
Eric doesn't subscribe to any particular movement though his are some of the lowest yields of the entire Cote d'Or !, he gently de-stems them and they are then fermented in small open top fermenters (Grenier) using natural yeasts. He presses with an old restored basket press for the quality of the juice and the wines then mature in a mix of larger and smaller barrels, a small percentage are replaced every year. Everything is done to maintain elegance, freshness and finesse. For a bear of a man he produces exquisite, delicate wine. Eric is a man of the land, loves his vineyards and he spends all the time he can among them. He compares his bio dynamic farming to being an orchestra conductor. His actions have more to do with keeping nature in tune in his vineyards than they do with treating or preventing problems.