Beaune 1er Cru, Les Bressandes, Domaine Albert Morot

In 1820 Albert Morot set up his negociant business in Beaune. Following the phyloxera epidemic, one of his successors bought its first vineyard and built the Chateau de la Creusotte with its cellars. Between 1984 and 1999, Francoise Choppin, a great-grand-daughter of Albert Morot, managed the domaine. She stopped the negociant activity in order to concentrate on its vineyards and winemaking.
In January 2000, Geoffroy Choppin de Janvry (a great-nephew), who is an agronomist engineer specialising in viticulture and oenology, took over the family estate. He is carrying on the family tradition that began 5 generations ago.
His objective is to maintain the traditional spirit of the Domaine while being open to the new techniques that may produce higher quality grapes and wines while maintaining the respect of the "terroir". The Domaine spreads over 7.5 hectares of vineyards (7 hectares planted with Pinot Noir and half a hectare planted with Chardonnay). These wines, exclusively 1er Crus, are divided into 8 appellations. Domaine Albert Morot consistently produces elegant, top quality Burgundian wines which are highly rated around the world.

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Surface in Production: 1.27 Hectares

Density of Plantation: 10,000 vines/ha

Age of vines: 35 years

Harvest: Manual - sorting of grapes in the vineyard and cellar.

Yield: 30-40 hl/ha (green harvest)

Vinification: Traditional and open wooden vats. Natural yeasts - Twice daily pumping over.

Maturation: 16 months in French oak of which 50% are new.

Bottling: Without fining or filtration.

Serve: At 15-16°C with roast red meats, casseroles, game and cheese.

A good vintage for Red Burgundy, and one in which the better producers wines are still nicely balanced.