This Burgundian domaine has been a family estate for nearly 200 years. Erwan Faiveley, 7th generation, took the reins in 2006 from his father when he was only 25. They have earned their reputation as one of Burgundy’s finest and most trusted, with an unparalleled selection from the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise totalling over 120 hectares.
This vineyard neighbours that of La Framboisière which produces powerful red wines. In the Clos Rochette, the soil is particularly compact and hard to work, being strewn with little rocks, hence the name. Rich and complex white wines are produced here.
Soil: Clay/Limestone
Domaine Faiveley surface area: 4ha 83a – (10.83 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1960, 1987, 1999
Average annual production: 29,790 bottles
To maintain all the freshness and quality of the grapes, they are pressed and vinifed on site in Mercurey. The wine is then brought to Nuits-Saint-Georges to be matured. Only a small part of the cuvée is raised in oak barrels for 10-12 months, which allows the wine to acquire delicate woody notes without masking the liveliness and the character sought after in the Côte Chalonnaise white wines.
Winter 2012 was quite mild, except for a period of intense cold early in February. After a mild and dry month of March, spring was very wet and quite cool. Abundant coulure and millerandage created loose and aerated clusters which operated as a natural yield regulation. August was superb, hot and dry except for a heavy rain in mid-August. September was cooler, but beautifully sunny and bright. The harvest brought grapes that were perfectly healthy with optimal maturity and great balance. Powerful, rich and aromatic, the whites showcase the uniqueness of their terroirs. This vintage is marked by its concentration and diverse fruity aromas of peach and apricot.
This wine has beautiful complex aromas. It is very expressive on the nose with scents of white flowers and spices. There is a wonderful liveliness on the palate to begin with, which is slightly attenuated by the roundness and smoothness from being raised in oak. The mix of tastes works harmoniously to give us a wine of great delicacy.
Poultry, Vol au Vent, Fish
Serve at 10°C. Cellaring Potential: 5 to 7 years
Côte Chalonnaise
100% Chardonnay
Cork
