Domaine Gille Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir 2021

Aromatic, lithe, and quietly seductive, the 2021 Domaine Gille Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir highlights young Matthieu Gille’s consummate winemaking skills. Sporting a bright ruby color as well as the juicy scents of wild strawberries and red raspberries, this wine had us on the first sip. Yet, the best was yet to come. Smoothness and grace are the calling cards of Domaine Gille’s 2021 Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir, which grace the palate with feminine charm, perfumed fruit, and juicy acidity. This is traditional red Burgundy so there’s no brawn or mouth puckering tannins to contend with, only the delicate, pretty essence of unadulterated Pinot Noir. Enjoy the delightful 2021 Domaine Gille Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir now and often at cool room temperature (58°-62° F). Anticipated maturity: 2023-2026. Enjoy!

Juicy young Burgundy such as the 2021 Domaine Gille Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir provides the ideal companion to roasted meats, vegetables, and creamy potato dishes. Roast chicken, partridge, pheasant, and squab served with wild rice, roasted baby carrots, and fennel make especially tasty accompaniments. Beef and vegetable soups served with cheese and crusty French bread provide more winning companions. Shepard’s Pie provides a splendid pairing, too. Rich, creamy cheeses from cow’s milk such as Tomme de Bourgogne make wonderful simple accompaniments as well. Bon Appétit!

“Alone in the vegetable kingdom, the vine makes the true savor of the earth intelligible to man.” Colette (1873-1954) from Prisons et Paradis

Domaine Gille lies at the heart of Burgundy’s fabled Côte d’Or, just south of Nuits-St. Georges, in the tiny village of Comblanchien. From this prestigious commune and surrounding côtes, Domaine Gille fashions a cornucopia of illustrious red and white Burgundies from just 9 hectares (22 acres), including the delicious 2021 Grandes Creusottes Bourgogne Côte d’Or (this month’s feature), a Côte de Nuits Reserve Comblanchien, and tiny quantities of superlative Nuits-St. Georges, Morey-Saint Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and more. Small lots of high quality wine flow from the Gille family who for generations have striven through the cultivation of the vine to make “the true savor of the earth intelligible.”

The Gille family has resided in the village of Comblanchien continuously since 1570 and are widely acknowledged to be the first family of the commune. Since its inception, the domain has been passed down from father to son and has grown over the years to its present size, due to acquisition and marriage. The present domain took shape in the early 1900s under the guidance and foresight of Vivant Gille, and today the 9-hectare domain is run by Gille’s great grandson, Matthieu Gille.

The vines at Domaine Gille range from 45 to 90 years of age, with some parcels owned by the family dating to the late 18th century. All the work at Domaine Gille is done by hand, following traditional methods. Monsieur Gille is fond of proclaiming that “respecting the terroir and the unique character and challenges of each vintage” are his only goals for the property. The wines of Domaine Gille are truly hand-crafted and of great personality and individuality. Moreover, they are made in the most traditional manner.