Wines Mercurey Domaine Lorenzon - Champs Martin - 2012

The Domaine Lorenzon Mercurey Premier Cru ‘Champs Martin’ 2012 is an exemplary Burgundy red, crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir. This Premier Cru hails from the esteemed Champs Martin vineyard, a site noted for its excellent exposure and classic Côte Chalonnaise soils, composed primarily of limestone and clay. The 2012 vintage was marked by both challenges and rewards: a tricky, cool spring and a warm, dry summer resulted in a reduced yield, concentrating the flavours and offering balance between ripeness and freshness. Winemaker Brett Lorenzon is renowned for minimal intervention, hand-picking his grapes, fermenting with indigenous yeasts, and aging in a careful proportion of new and old French oak barrels, all to express the delicate nuance and expressive personality of this premier cru terroir.

Mercurey, situated in the Côte Chalonnaise south of the Côte de Beaune, boasts a viticultural heritage stretching back to Roman times. The relatively continental climate – warmer and slightly drier than its neighbours to the north – encourages the grapes to ripen fully while preserving the signature freshness of Burgundy Pinot Noir. The area’s diverse soils, dominated by marl and limestone, yield reds that are fragrant, precise, and often a little more accessible in youth than those of the Côte d’Or, with inviting notes of red fruit, gentle spice, and earthy undertones.

With its medium-bodied structure, vibrant acidity, and supple tannins, this Premier Cru is an excellent partner to classic Burgundian dishes. Pair it with coq au vin or a mushroom fricassée for a regional match, or consider roasted duck breast, lamb cutlets, or even grilled salmon for broader appeal. Its savory profile and subtle earthiness also complement aged cheeses, particularly Epoisses or Comté.

For optimal tasting, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally at 15-16°C. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes will help reveal its aromatic complexity and polished texture, especially as it approaches its mature plateau. This bottle promises a delightful drinking experience now, or further reward with a few more years in your cellar.