Wines Unspecified Eric Forest - Les Crays - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Eric Forest’s “Cuvée Les Crays” 2023 hails from Burgundy, a region synonymous with some of the greatest white wines in the world. Made predominantly from the Chardonnay grape, this Premier Cru expression is the product of careful viticulture and sensitive vinification. The vineyard site “Les Crays” is revered for its mineral-rich soils, which impart a pronounced elegance and freshness to the wines. The 2023 vintage, marked by a favourable growing season, allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness, resulting in a wine that balances ripe orchard fruit with vivid acidity. Gentle pressing and fermentation, likely in both stainless steel and oak, provide a subtle creaminess and a layered complexity, allowing the characteristic minerality and vibrancy of the terroir to shine.

Burgundy’s climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers punctuated by significant variations between vintages. The region’s famous limestone and marl soils are key to producing whites of finesse and structure, especially in Premier Cru parcels such as Les Crays. Burgundy’s winemaking history stretches back centuries, with monastic orders helping to shape the intricate patchwork of vineyards that define the region today. While the Cuvée Les Crays’ specific subregion and AOC are not specified, its Premier Cru status is indicative of a particularly esteemed terroir, known for producing wines of distinction and longevity.

This white Burgundy is an ideal companion for refined dishes. Classic pairings include seafood such as scallops seared with a touch of butter, or a delicate fillet of sole with a beurre blanc sauce. Poultry in a crème sauce, veal blanquette, or risotto with wild mushrooms also complement the wine’s purity and texture. For a regional touch, try it with a traditional Burgundian dish such as “poulet à la moutarde” (chicken with mustard). Soft cheeses like Brie de Meaux or Époisses add a delightful contrast to its mineral edge.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and subtle oak influence, serve this wine at a temperature of 10-12°C. This allows the nuances of fruit, minerality, and gentle oak to emerge, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.