Wines Vosne-Romanée Les Charmes - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Vosne-Romanée Les Charmes 2010 is a red Burgundy of rare pedigree, hailing from one of the most revered appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, this vintage exhibits all the hallmarks of both variety and terroir. The 2010 growing season was marked by a cool spring and an excellent, dry autumn, leading to grapes with fresh natural acidity, ripe, expressive fruit, and finely etched tannins. In the glass, Les Charmes enchants with a bouquet of wild raspberry, Morello cherry, violet, subtle spices and a touch of forest floor, a signature of delicate barrel ageing and old vines. The palate is satiny yet structured, perfectly balancing vivacity and finesse, and finishes with a lingering minerality that is so characteristic of Vosne-Romanée’s finest sites.

Vosne-Romanée occupies a coveted place in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, a narrow strip of limestone-rich hillsides renowned for producing some of the world’s most celebrated Pinot Noir. The soils here, a mix of marl and clay layered over oolitic limestone, drain well and confer aromatic complexity and longevity to the wines. The cool, semi-continental climate, moderated by gentle slopes and optimal sun exposure, allows a slow and even ripening, fostering finesse and aromatic depth. With centuries of winemaking history, Vosne-Romanée is home to legendary vineyards and a tradition of meticulous craftsmanship.

Such an elegant and expressive wine calls for refined food pairings. It thrives alongside classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin, œufs en meurette, or a delicate beef bourguignon. For a lighter touch, roasted duck breast with cherries or pigeon with wild mushrooms would be equally sublime. On the cheese board, seek out subtle, washed-rind cheeses like Époisses or Soumaintrain, whose earthy character complements the wine’s silky profile.

Serve Vosne-Romanée Les Charmes 2010 slightly cool, at 15–17°C, allowing the aromas to unfurl gradually in the glass. A brief decant of 30 minutes may help the wine express its full complexity. This vintage, now well into its second decade, promises remarkable drinking pleasure and poise.