Domaine Ninot’s 2021 "Cuvée La Barre" hails from the heart of the Rully appellation within the Côte Chalonnaise, an illustrious part of Burgundy renowned for its refined and expressive wines. This red wine is crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir, the iconic grape variety of the region, lending the wine its signature elegance and complexity. The 2021 vintage benefited from a relatively cool and balanced growing season, ensuring freshness and delicate aromatics. At Domaine Ninot, the vinification respects traditional practices: manual harvesting, gentle fermentations, and careful ageing in a selection of oak barrels to enhance but not mask the finesse of the fruit. The wine reveals a bright, ruby hue with aromas of ripe red berries, subtle floral notes, and delicate hints of spice and forest floor. On the palate, it is silky and vibrant, marked by lively acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a lingering, nuanced finish.
Rully itself, situated in the Côte Chalonnaise subregion, offers a unique terroir. The limestone and clay soils, typical of Burgundy, confer depth and mineral tension to the wines. The local climate is semi-continental with pronounced seasonal contrasts, which help Pinot Noir achieve full aromatic maturity while preserving freshness. Historically, Rully was a pioneer for sparkling wines in Burgundy, but today it stands out for still whites and increasingly for reds, which benefit from global warming and improving viticultural practices.
For food pairings, this Rully rouge shines with dishes that complement its bright fruit and delicate structure. A classic pairing would be roast poultry, such as duck breast with a cherry reduction, or a tender coq au vin. For regional touches, try it with Bourgogne’s iconic oeufs en meurette (poached eggs in red wine sauce) or a ham in parsley gelée. Its finesse also allows it to accompany a range of mushroom-based dishes or a simple, earthy lentil salad.
To make the most of its aromatic subtleties, serve this wine slightly cool, at around 14-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes will help the wine fully express its bouquet and texture, especially in its youth. Such attention will ensure a tasting experience true to the spirit of both Domaine Ninot and the storied terroir of Rully.
