Wines Unspecified Domaine Gérard Mugneret - Aux Boudots - 1996

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Gérard Mugneret’s 1996 Cuvée Aux Boudots is an exceptional Burgundy red wine, hailing from a Premier Cru vineyard renowned for its elegance and complexity. Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir, the region’s iconic grape, this vintage celebrates a year notable for its balance between ripeness and acidity, producing wines with remarkable finesse and ageing potential. The Aux Boudots climat is ideally situated at the northern edge of Nuits-Saint-Georges, bordering Vosne-Romanée, and is known for its stony, marl-limestone soils that impart structure and minerality. Ageing typically takes place in French oak barrels, delicately supporting the wine’s aromatic profile with subtle spice and rounding tannins.

Burgundy, and notably the Côte de Nuits, is the spiritual home of Pinot Noir. The region’s cool continental climate ensures a slow, measured ripening of the grapes, yielding wines of exceptional aromatic finesse and freshness. The terroir, characterised by variations in limestone, marl, and clay, provides a tapestry of microclimates and soil types, giving each vineyard its own signature. The legacy of winegrowing here stretches back to the monks of the Middle Ages, and has evolved into a meticulous craft, typified by the pursuit of expressing the singularity of each parcel.

For food pairings, the delicate yet intense character of this Premier Cru Pinot Noir matches superbly with classic Burgundy dishes such as coq au vin or a rabbit terrine with prunes. It also shines alongside more refined poultry like roast duck breast with cherry sauce, or even a simple grilled quail. Earthy accompaniments such as wild mushroom risotto or roast root vegetables will further highlight the wine’s nuanced, savoury bouquet. A washed-rind cheese from the region, such as Époisses, offers a purely local experience.

To fully appreciate its bouquet of mature red fruits, sous-bois, and gentle spice notes, serve this wine at 16-17°C, ideally after gentle decanting to reveal its subtle complexity and silkiness. This wine stands as a pinnacle of mature Burgundy, offering both elegance and depth.