Wines Gevrey-Chambertin Marchand-Tawse - Vignes de la Famille Tawse - 2021

Marchand-Tawse's 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin “Cuvée Vignes de la Famille Tawse” is a classic expression of this renowned Burgundy village. Produced entirely from Pinot Noir, the wine benefits from meticulous vineyard management and traditional vinification, employing manual harvesting and gentle extraction. The 2021 vintage, marked by a cool and challenging growing season with late spring frosts, presents vivid aromatics, elegant red fruit and a fine tannic structure. Ageing in French oak barrels (a judicious proportion new) imparts discreet spice and finesse without overpowering the purity of the fruit. The vineyards are situated on varied clay-limestone soils characteristic of the Côte de Nuits, conferring both structure and a signature minerality to the finished wine.

Gevrey-Chambertin, in the northern Burgundy Côte de Nuits, is famed for producing some of the world’s most profound and ageworthy red wines. The region's climate is semi-continental, with cold winters and warm summers, tempered by the protective slopes of the Côte d’Or escarpment. Soils here, largely composed of marl and limestone with patches of clay, lend concentration and complexity to the wines. Gevrey’s winemaking history stretches back centuries, a tradition echoed in the careful stewardship of producers like Marchand-Tawse.

The wine’s archetypal Burgundian elegance lends itself well to refined pairings. Roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction, game birds such as partridge, or a classic coq au vin would harmonise beautifully with the wine’s tart berry fruit, earthy undertones and restrained tannins. Equally, milder regional cheeses such as Époisses or Comté bring out subtle nuances in the wine without overwhelming its delicate perfume.

For optimal appreciation, serve the Marchand-Tawse Gevrey-Chambertin at 16-17°C in Burgundy glasses, allowing the wine to breathe for an hour before tasting. This will accentuate its aromatic complexity and silkiness on the palate, whether enjoyed in its youth or following a few years of cellaring.