Wines Beaune Hospices de Beaune - Dames Hospitalières - 2017

The 2017 Hospices de Beaune, Cuvée Dames Hospitalières, Beaune Premier Cru is a quintessential expression of Côte de Beaune Pinot Noir. This cuvée hails from several carefully selected premier cru parcels, blended to produce a wine that combines elegance with the depth typical of Burgundy reds. The 2017 vintage benefitted from a warm summer with just enough rainfall, leading to grapes with excellent maturity and balance. In the cellar, traditional Burgundian vinification methods were employed—gentle extraction, a judicious use of new French oak, and careful ageing, all of which heighten the wine’s aromatic finesse and structure. On the palate, you can expect a delicate yet persistent bouquet of ripe red cherries, raspberry, subtle floral notes, and a whisper of earthy forest floor, underpinned by refined tannins and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

Burgundy, particularly the Côte de Beaune, is famed for its limestone-rich soils, imparting a distinctive minerality and intensity to its wines. The region’s continental climate—with cold winters, warm summers, and variable weather during the growing season—often leads to lower yields but high-quality grapes, ideal for crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines. The history of Hospices de Beaune is intertwined with charity, as this institution, founded in the 15th century, still auctions wines to fund its original hospital. Their cuvées, like the Dames Hospitalières, are highly regarded for their tradition and complexity.

This wine’s finesse and structure make it a versatile table companion. For classic pairings, consider roast duck breast with cherry sauce, herb-crusted lamb, or coq au vin. Equally, it shines alongside Burgundian specialties such as boeuf bourguignon or oeufs en meurette. Mushroom-based dishes, particularly using wild or earthy varieties, will harmonise beautifully with the wine’s earthy undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Beaune Premier Cru at 16-17°C. Decanting for about thirty minutes will allow the wine to express its full aromatic complexity and soften its youthful tannins. Ideal to drink now with aeration, or you may cellar it for further evolution over the next few years.