Wines Unspecified Louis Jadot - Beaune 1er Cru Celebration - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Louis Jadot’s Cuvée Beaune 1er Cru Celebration 2018 is a remarkable red Burgundy, crafted from Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of the region. Assembled exclusively from a selection of Beaune’s esteemed Premier Cru vineyards, this cuvée captures the charm and complexity of the appellation. The 2018 vintage brought generous sun and warmth, resulting in a wine of concentration with ripened red fruit, refined tannins and lovely aromatic intensity. Vinification is traditional, with a careful sorting of grapes, fermentation in open vats and ageing in French oak barrels, mostly used, allowing the terroir expression to shine without overwhelming the fruit. In the magnum format, this wine benefits from a slightly slower evolution, promising added freshness and longevity.

Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is world-renowned for its intricate patchwork of vineyards, each expressing subtle variations of terroir through climate, slope and soil composition. The city of Beaune is at the heart of the Côte de Beaune, known for limestone-rich soils that impart finesse and elegance to its Pinot Noir. The semi-continental climate, moderated by surrounding hills, provides cool nights and sun-filled days, nurturing slow, even ripening. The region’s history of monastic stewardship and meticulous vineyard classification ensures each Premier Cru site offers unique depth, often with a hint of spice, floral notes and a silken texture.

This refined Burgundy is ideal with delicate yet flavourful dishes such as roasted duck breast with cherries, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or grilled veal chops. Local favourites like oeufs en meurette (eggs poached in red wine sauce) or a classic coq au vin are authentic pairings. Mushrooms, especially morels or chanterelles, and earthy root vegetables make excellent vegetarian accompaniments.

To fully appreciate the nuances of this 2018 Premier Cru, serve at 15-17°C after a gentle decanting of half an hour. The magnum format is perfect for a festive gathering and will reveal the evolution of aromas as the wine breathes. Enjoy over the coming decade for optimal expression, though it can age even further if you prefer more tertiary notes.