Wines Beaune Joseph Drouhin - Clos des Mouches Blanc - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Joseph Drouhin’s Beaune Premier Cru “Clos des Mouches” Blanc 2020 is a superb expression of white Burgundy, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from one of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated vineyard sites. The 2020 vintage benefitted from a warm, sunny growing season, resulting in wines of remarkable ripeness, yet maintaining the characteristic vibrancy and finesse of the house style. Vinification is meticulous, with hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, fermentation and élevage in French oak barrels (with a measured use of new oak to preserve balance), culminating in a wine that deftly combines richness and elegance. The nose reveals white florals, fresh almonds, honeyed pear and a subtle trace of flint, while the palate is taut and structured, exhibiting citrus zest, stone fruit and delicate toast notes with a mineral lift.

La Côte de Beaune, the southern half of Burgundy’s famous Côte d’Or, is renowned for its exceptional white wines. The region benefits from a temperate continental climate, featuring significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity in the grapes. The limestone-rich, well-drained soils of Clos des Mouches, with their pockets of marl and clay, impart both minerality and depth to the Chardonnay, supporting complex, age-worthy wines. Clos des Mouches, in particular, holds a historic reputation dating back to the 1920s as one of Joseph Drouhin’s flagship plots, and its consistently excellent terroir is a benchmark for Premier Cru sites.

When it comes to food pairings, this sophisticated white Burgundy excels with classic Burgundian cuisine, such as poulet de Bresse à la crème (chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce) or a delicate quenelle of pike. Its nuanced structure makes it a splendid partner for lobster, scallops, or turbot with beurre blanc, as well as hard cheeses like aged Comté. For a more modern match, try it with roasted root vegetables or truffle risotto.

Serve Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches Blanc 2020 cool, but not cold, ideally between 12 and 14°C. To reveal its multi-layered bouquet, decanting for thirty minutes is recommended if enjoyed young. The wine possesses fine ageing potential but already shows remarkable finesse and harmony in its youth.