Viniou Reviews
Domaine Michel Briday’s “Les 4 Vignes” 2018 from the Rully AOC is an expressive Burgundy red, crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir, the region’s hallmark varietal. In this cuvée, grapes are sourced from four distinct plots, bringing together the nuanced differences of Rully’s varied terroirs. The 2018 vintage was marked by a warm, generous summer, resulting in beautifully ripe fruit and fine, supple tannins. Vinification typically focuses on gentle extraction and minimal intervention, allowing the unique characteristics of each plot to shine through while preserving the elegance and finesse expected from Côte Chalonnaise Pinot Noir.
Rully, nestled in the southern reaches of Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise, is a village with a long history of quality winemaking dating back to Roman times. The climate here is semi-continental, enjoying slightly higher temperatures than its neighbours further north, which encourages fuller ripening of the grapes while still maintaining freshness and vibrant acidity. The gently rolling hills provide east and south-east exposure, with soils rich in clay and limestone—a classic Burgundian combination that lends structure, minerality, and perfumed complexity to the wines. Rully reds are prized for their aromatic clarity, balance, and approachable style, often providing an earlier-drinking counterpoint to the longer-lived wines of Côte d’Or.
This wine’s refined structure and red fruit character make it an ideal pairing for classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or a tender beef bourguignon. Its aromatic purity also matches beautifully with simple roast poultry, charcuterie, or a mushroom risotto. Those wishing to explore regional flavours might serve it alongside jambon persillé or an autumnal duck breast with cherry sauce.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine lightly to allow its bouquet to unfurl, and serve at 15-16°C. This temperature preserves its freshness while highlighting the delicate interplay between fruit, earth, and subtle oak—a characteristic hallmark of Rully reds.
