Côte Chalonnaise
by Chris Santini
2021 Bouzeron Aligoté
France | Burgundy
Ever heard of “pétrichor”? Well, neither had I, until Pierre de Benoist mentioned that it was the aromatic sensation one can find in his Bouzeron. It turns out that pétrichor is the pleasant odor that teems after a rainfall in the forest, that smell of fresh rain interacting with foliage and rocks. Scientists have studied the subject and found humans have an instinctual attraction to this perfume, an acknowledgment of the vitality of rain for our survival. It’s really no surprise that Bouzeron of all wines would have this characteristic, as we are dealing with old vines of ancient strains of Aligoté Doré grapes, grown on pristine slopes untouched by development, surrounded by forests. White flowers, some citrus, a touch of cream, and pétrichor abound.
2022 Givry Rouge 1er Cru “A Vigne Rouge”
France | Burgundy
Lumpp (pronounced more like “lamp” than “lump”) has long been celebrated locally for cuvées of fine and fresh Pinot Noir, long on finesse and bright in fruit. The A Vigne Rouge parcel is Lumpp’s largest, their flagship that best exemplifies the warm and inviting house style.
2022 Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Rouge “La Fortune”
France | Burgundy
La Fortune, a parcel with exceptional terroir for Pinot Noir, is located in the heart of Bouzeron, primarily Aligoté country. The Pinot from this plot is light in body yet deep in aromas of freshly crushed fruit and hints of peppery spice that by my book evoke true old-school Burgundy. Swirl it around a bit and . . . wait, is that some pétrichor there?