Wines Saint-Aubin Domaine Gérard Thomas - Sur Gamay - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The 2023 Saint-Aubin Premier Cru "Cuvée Sur Gamay" from Domaine Gérard Thomas is an excellent example of white Burgundy from a respected producer. This wine is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, the signature grape of the region, grown on the calcareous clay soils characteristic of the Côte de Beaune. Saint-Aubin, though slightly less renowned than its illustrious neighbours Puligny- and Chassagne-Montrachet, produces whites of great vitality and finesse. The 2023 vintage benefited from favourable weather conditions, resulting in wines of expressive fruit but with a classic mineral structure. Ageing takes place in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels, ensuring the wine maintains both freshness and complexity, with subtle oak influence adding a gentle creamy texture and hints of hazelnut.

The Côte de Beaune, especially in villages like Saint-Aubin, is famous for its undulating vineyards set against marl and limestone hillsides. This terroir imparts a signature tension and vibrancy to the wines. The region’s cool continental climate, tempered by optimal exposure to sunlight, allows for slow, steady ripening of the grapes, ensuring a balance between concentration and acidity. Historically overshadowed by its neighbours, Saint-Aubin has recently gained much-deserved recognition among connoisseurs for its high-quality, excellent-value white Burgundy. The delicacy and minerality ascribed to these sites are the result of centuries of winemaking tradition and a deep respect for the varied soils and microclimates of the area.

For food pairings, the 2023 Saint-Aubin Premier Cru would shine alongside classic Burgundian dishes, such as poached trout with beurre blanc, or a creamy poultry fricassée with seasonal mushrooms. Its freshness and elegant minerality also make it a wonderful companion to oysters, grilled scallops, or herbed goat’s cheese. To allow the wine to express all its aromatic complexity, serve it chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Open the bottle a quarter of an hour before serving to gently aerate and release its layered bouquet. This will allow you to appreciate the delicate blossom, ripe stone fruit, and subtle toasted notes that define this Premier Cru.