Albert Sounit - Mercurey "Vieilles Vignes" 2021

Albert Sounit

Mercury

"Vieilles Vignes"

2021

100% Pinot Noir

75cl

Vineyards:
The grapes come from 3 parcels, all located on the east or south side of Mount Montaigu, in the southern part of Mercurey. The soil is hard limestone with a relatively high clay content, which offers ideal conditions for Pinot Noir to produce deep, full-bodied wines, with potential for aging. Approximately 50% of the grapes come from the “En Boussoy” vineyard – facing east, separated only from the 1st Cru “Clos de Montaigus” by roadways. The soil is calcareous and red clay and the vines are more than 70 years old. The second parcel is “Le Cray” – an east-facing slope that borders the 1er Cru “Clos de Paradis” vineyard. The vines here are about 45 years old. The third parcel is “Les Vignes Blanches” – a south-facing slope with 70 – 80 year old vines. The name refers to the light soil, dominated by limestone.

MERCURY ”VIELLES VIGNES”
Aromas and flavors: Intense dark fruit – blackberries, cherries – notes of roasted coffee beans, chocolate and black pepper. Full-bodied with a long, fruity finish.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Serving temperature: 15-17° C
Aging potential: Up to 8 years
Pairing: Beef, lamb, game.


Winemaking:
All grapes are harvested by hand. The sorting takes place 3 times: the first when the grapes are harvested, the second when the buckets are emptied at the end of the rows and finally at the sorting table. The grapes are destemmed before being transferred to the fermentation vats. We do a cold maceration at around 9 degrees for 5-7 days to extract flavor and color with frequent pumping over. Subsequently the temperature is increased which initiates alcoholic fermentation. We only use natural yeast. During fermentation, which lasts 7 to 9 days, we carry out light punching down. Once the alcoholic fermentation is finished, we continue the maceration for 2-4 days. After pressing we mature the wine in French oak for 15 months, of which 50% is new and 50% is 1 year old. Finally, the wine is decanted into stainless steel tanks for decanting and bottled after 3 months without filtration.

Tasting notes and serving recommendations:
The wine is deep and dark in color with a nose of intense dark fruit - cherries, blackberries - and notes of roasted coffee beans, chocolate and black pepper. On the palate it is full-bodied, fruity and complex with very soft tannins. The finish is long and fruity. Serve this wine with meat dishes such as beef or lamb. The wine is particularly suitable for game. Serve at 15 – 17 degrees in large glasses.

Drinking window:
Up to 8 years, and if stored well it can last +10 years.