2019 Eric de Suremain Monthelie Rouge 1er Cru Sur la Velle
WINEMAKER: Eric de Suremain
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic
"This vineyard, down slope from the Clou des Chênes, also is a continuation of the Volnay-Clos des Chênes. This particular wine was raised in foudre (very large oak cask). This is one of the wines that I purchase for myself every year. This is again gorgeous, showing floral, strawberry aromas as usual with lovely lift and finesse. This wine always has a cool edge about it. In the mouth it's reserved for a split second and then electric - amazingly pure and fine, long and with a lingering sweetness and fragrance. TOP !" - 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.