Wines Unspecified Benjamin Leroux - La Pièce Sous le Bois - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Benjamin Leroux’s 2020 “Cuvée La Pièce Sous le Bois” Premier Cru is a reflection of the elegance and finesse characteristic of top-tier Burgundy whites. This wine, though lacking a precisely specified subregion or appellation, speaks with authority through its varietal composition—predominantly, or perhaps exclusively, Chardonnay, as is customary in Burgundy whites. The 2020 vintage was marked by favourable weather, producing grapes of excellent concentration and purity. Gentle pressing and meticulous vinification under Benjamin Leroux’s hand would yield a wine of clarity and precision, most likely aged in French oak barrels to gently enhance complexity and texture without overpowering freshness.

Burgundy, located in east-central France, is famed for its mosaic of vineyard plots known as “climats.” Here, Chardonnay reaches its most profound expressions, shaped by limestone-rich soils and a cool continental climate. The subtle shifts in soil composition, from marl to clay-limestone, give rise to the nuanced diversity for which the region is celebrated. History echoes in every glass; centuries of monastic stewardship and strict delineation of terroirs have fostered an unwavering commitment to quality. In recent years, passionate winemakers like Benjamin Leroux have brought a modern sensibility to these traditions, focusing on respectful viticulture and transparent winemaking.

The subtlety and structure of this Premier Cru make it especially versatile at table. Classic pairings include fine seafood such as scallops in a light beurre blanc, pan-seared turbot, or lobster with tarragon. Poultry in a creamy morel mushroom sauce would also shine alongside this wine, while a regional specialty such as pike quenelles from nearby Lyon would be a delightful marriage. Those favouring cheese might select a delicate goat cheese or a creamy Brillat-Savarin to complement the wine’s finesse.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 10-12°C. If youthful, a brief decanting may encourage aromatic expression and reveal deeper layers. In its prime, “Cuvée La Pièce Sous le Bois” combines clarity, minerality, and subtle oak, promising an expressive and memorable tasting experience.