Wines Blagny Thierry et Pascale Matrot - LA PIECE SOUS LE BOIS 1ER CRU - 2017

Thierry et Pascale Matrot’s Blagny Premier Cru "Cuvée La Pièce sous le Bois" 2017 is a striking expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s lesser-known but highly prestigious enclaves. The wine is a classic red, with all the nuance expected from a Premier Cru within La Côte de Beaune. The 2017 vintage was marked by favourable weather conditions, yielding wines with finesse, expressive fruit and well-integrated acidity. Matrot’s careful vinification emphasises purity of fruit and a transparent reflection of the underlying terroir, with minimal intervention and a sensitive balance of oak, supporting complexity without overshadowing the identity of the Blagny site.

Blagny sits on the border between the celebrated communes of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, yet its personality is distinctly its own. The vineyard, classified as Premier Cru, benefits from higher elevations and mostly limestone-clay soils, which impart both structure and a vibrant mineral character. The microclimate is cooler than neighbouring lower slopes, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to ripen at a gentle pace, preserving their delicate aromatic profile. Blagny has a long yet discreet history, often overlooked in comparison to its white wine neighbours, but its reds offer remarkable ageing potential and a classic, understated elegance typical of Burgundy’s finest terroirs.

This elegant Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Traditional Burgundian fare such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon complements its savoury depth, while the wine’s subtle earthiness also shines alongside roast duck or mushroom-based dishes like a wild mushroom risotto. For a regional match, a lightly aged Epoisses cheese brings out its silky tannins and red berry notes. Herbal roasted lamb or even pigeon with lentils makes for inspired pairings, drawing out both the wine’s fruit and savoury qualities.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Blagny Premier Cru at 15-16°C. If possible, decant for 30 minutes prior to serving to allow its aromas of cherry, violet and delicate spice to fully unfold. This 2017 has the freshness to enjoy now but will reward patience, developing more complexity and tertiary notes over the next five to eight years.