Viniou Reviews
The 2010 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru from Domaine Chandon de Briailles is an outstanding expression of Burgundy’s prestigious Côte de Beaune. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir and produced under strict biodynamic principles, this wine exemplifies both the purity of its varietal and the nuance of its world-renowned terroir. The 2010 vintage, marked by a balanced, cooler growing season, yielded wines of great freshness and precision. Vinification here is traditional: careful manual harvesting, gentle extraction, and ageing in primarily old oak barrels to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the vineyard’s subtle mineral notes.
Corton-Bressandes is one of the most esteemed lieux-dits on the Corton hill, an area revered for producing some of Burgundy’s most structured and age-worthy reds. The soils here are diverse—predominantly a mosaic of limestone and clay, lending both finesse and power to the wines. Côte de Beaune itself is steeped in history, famed for both white and red grand crus; in Bressandes, the orientation and altitude allow for optimal sunlight and cooling breezes, fostering nuanced, complex wines that evolve beautifully over time. The region enjoys a continental climate, with notable seasonal contrasts that aid in the slow, even ripening of Pinot Noir, resulting in wines balancing vibrant acidity with depth of fruit.
This wine’s elegant yet robust structure makes it an ideal companion to refined dishes such as roast duck with cherries, beef Wellington, or a classic coq au vin. Regional pairings like boeuf bourguignon or a simple poulet de Bresse with mushrooms are also outstanding choices, as they echo the earthiness and grace found in the glass. For cheese, opt for a soft-ripened Époisses or matured Comté.
For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for one to two hours to allow the delicate bouquet of red cherry, rose petals, subtle spice, and damp earth to fully emerge. Serve at a temperature of 16-17°C, which will accentuate its precision, complexity, and silken tannins.
