2023 Frederic Esmonin "Les Montvrieres" Vin de France Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The grapes for this VdF are harvested at ideal ripeness. A new bladder press is used for juice extraction, which allows for precise control over how much pressure is applied to the grapes. A brief cold maceration is performed to extract fruit character. The wine is vinified in the estate's small cellar is Gevrey-Chambertin, aged in French oak barrels for 14-17 months. To achieve optimal balance, the wine is blended using barrels of varying ages and toast levels. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Frederic Esmonin is a notable wine producer in Burgundy, first operating as a negociant business before bottling its own wine in 1988. By selling top-quality fruit to famed producers like Drouhin, Jadot, and Leroy, Frederic Esmonin saved enough money to start a winemaking business. He quickly learned from his cousin, Sylvie Esmonin, how to create beautiful expressions from Burgundy's exemplary terroirs. 

Located in Gevrey Chambertin, this small estate holds 10 acres of land in Burgundy with plots in Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village-level vineyards. Its Grand Cru holdings include: Ruchottes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Beze, & Bonnes-Mares.

Pinot noir is the only varietal grown on these properties, as Frederic enlists the help of his parents, Michelle and Andre, to craft finely detailed wines that are accessibly priced for Burgundy lovers. The trio sticks to a meticulous winemaking protocol, which involves the use of bladder-press, allowing the winemakers the exert the exact amount of pressure on the grapes. Each of the fruit is hand-harvested before undergoing a cold maceration and aging in 80% new French oak for 14-17 months.