Domaine Faiveley's Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2021 is a red Burgundy crafted exclusively from old-vine Pinot Noir grapes, which contributes to the wine's depth and complexity. The 2021 vintage is notable for its finesse and fresh fruit profile, owing in part to the cool and challenging growing season. Traditional vinification methods are used at Domaine Faiveley, with careful destemming, a gentle extraction in open-top vats, and ageing in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, to integrate structure and subtle spice without overpowering the purity of fruit. The result is a wine that marries vibrant cherry, raspberry and redcurrant with tobacco, earth and a thread of minerality characteristic of old vines.
Situated in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, the Mercurey appellation is celebrated for its clay-limestone soils and slightly elevated vineyard sites. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate – cool winters and warm summers – which, coupled with variable spring conditions in 2021, imparted freshness, lifted aromatics and moderate alcohol. Mercurey has a storied history as one of Burgundy's earliest known viticultural areas, prized for producing reds with both charm and ageing potential, thanks to the combination of site and the Pinot Noir grape's expressive nature.
This wine’s structure and bright acidity make it versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or oeufs en meurette. For a British twist, consider roast duck breast with cherry sauce, game birds such as partridge, or mushroom risotto. Aged cheeses, particularly Comté or Brie de Meaux, would also complement its subtle earthy undertones and red fruit core.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30–45 minutes to allow its bouquet to unfurl, and serve at 15–16°C. This will highlight both its delicate fruit and the more savoury nuances from the old vines and careful maturation. The Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2021 from Domaine Faiveley promises a delightful tasting experience, whether enjoyed now or after a few years in the cellar.
