Wines Burgundy Côte d'Or Laroze de Drouhin - Pinot Noir Côte d'Or - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Laroze de Drouhin’s Bourgogne Côte d’Or 2019 is a classic expression of Burgundy’s signature grape, Pinot Noir. Harvested from selected parcels across the renowned Côte d’Or, this wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail typical of the prestigious Drouhin house. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a warm, balanced growing season, allowing for optimal grape ripeness while preserving freshness and finesse. The vinification process respects Burgundian tradition: careful sorting of grapes, gentle extraction, and ageing in oak barrels, some of which are new, to add subtle complexity without overshadowing the pure fruit character. The result is a vibrant, ruby-hued wine displaying notes of red cherry, wild strawberry, faint violet, and delicate hints of spice and earth on the palate, supported by fine tannins and a lifted, mineral finish.

The Bourgogne Côte d’Or AOC designation highlights the heartland of Burgundy. The vineyards run along the gentle slopes and limestone-rich soils that define the Côte d’Or, famed for producing some of the world’s most elegant and long-lived Pinot Noirs. The region’s semi-continental climate, with warm summers and cool autumns, provides ideal conditions for balanced grape ripening. The tradition of winemaking here dates back centuries, with monks and nobility alike contributing to the region’s celebrated viticultural heritage. This particular appellation allows producers like Drouhin to showcase the essence of Pinot Noir at a more accessible level, while still capturing the nuances of terroir.

For food pairings, this wine’s delicacy and subtlety make it a superb partner for classic Burgundian cuisine, such as coq au vin, duck breast with cherry sauce, or a mushroom fricassée. It also complements roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, or a simple charcuterie board with mature cheeses like Comté or Époisses.

For the best tasting experience, serve the wine lightly chilled at 15-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will help the aromas unfurl and highlight the wine’s litheness and complexity. This Pinot Noir is enjoyable now for its youthful vibrancy but will reward another few years in the cellar if you seek further elegance and tertiary character.