Wines Givry Domaine Bresson - Les Grands Pretans - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Bresson's Givry Premier Cru "Cuvée Les Grands Pretans" 2014 epitomises the balance and finesse characteristic of fine Pinot Noir from the Côte Chalonnaise. The 2014 vintage, marked by a relatively cool growing season with timely spells of warmth, has yielded a wine of particular elegance. The grapes are drawn exclusively from Premier Cru classified parcels, where old Pinot Noir vines thrive in limestone-clay soils. Traditional Burgundian vinification has been employed—gentle destemming, careful maceration, and ageing in French oak barrels—enhancing the complexity and subtlety of this cuvée. In the glass, expect a bright ruby hue, aromas of wild strawberries, red cherry, and violets, with intriguing earthy nuances and a whisper of spice on the finish. The palate is vibrant yet silky, offering freshness, refined tannins, and a persistent mineral thread.

The Côte Chalonnaise, just south of the Côte d'Or, enjoys a semi-continental climate with cool, brisk springs and warm, dry summers that steadily ripen the grapes without excessive heat. Its gently sloping hills and varied soils, largely composed of limestone and clay, mirror the prized terroir of its northern neighbour yet often deliver wines with a little more approachability and charm in their youth. Givry itself has a distinguished history, reputed to have been a favourite of King Henri IV. Today, it continues to build on its reputation with honest, characterful reds that showcase both the precision of Pinot Noir and the unique attributes of local vineyards.

This Givry Premier Cru pairs beautifully with traditional Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or a classic bœuf bourguignon, where the wine’s freshness cuts through richness while its bright fruit complements savoury depth. It would also shine alongside roast duck breast, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a mushroom risotto. Soft cow’s milk cheeses, such as Époisses or Brillat-Savarin, are exalted by its earthy elegance.

Serve this wine at 15-17°C, after letting it breathe for about thirty minutes to reveal its full aromatic bouquet. It can be enjoyed now, showing splendid maturity and integration, but also possesses a few more years of ageing potential for those who appreciate evolved tertiary notes.