Mercurey Rouge Domaine Faiveley 2012

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

This Côte Chalonnaise village gets its name from the God Mercury (God of Merchants). The story goes that a temple was erected here in honour of this deity. A Roman road called ‘la voie Agrippa’ (Agrippa’s Road) crosses through Mercurey, which in Roman times, linked Chalon-sur-Saône to Autun. Today, Mercurey numbers 1,400 inhabitants and is known throughout the world for the reputation of its wines. It is the largest wine-growing community in Burgundy with over 600 hectares of vines.

Total Surface Area: 655ha
Soil: Clay/Limestone

Domaine Faiveley surface area: 29ha 10a – (94.9 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1962, 1978, 1981, 1981
Average annual production: 155,200 bottles

Winemaking

The vinification and aging process of this wine are made following the same process as in Nuits-Saint-Georges, for the wines of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. When the grapes reach a perfect maturity, they are harvested and transported to the winery in Mercurey. Grapes are sorted, de-stemmed and crushed then put in vat with small stainless steel tanks. Grapes are cooled, the pre-fermentation maceration begins. Alcoholic fermentation lasts about ten days and is directly followed by racking. The draining is done by gravity and the marc is placed in the pneumatic press with an elevator. The press wine is filtered and assembled to run wine. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (80%) and one part in vat. The aging process lasts 11 months. Wines are racked in Mercurey then transported to Nuits-Saint-Georges before being bottled at the headquarters of Domaine Faiveley.

Vintage Information

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. The wines have a deep, dense colour, almost black. They give off aromas of red fruit, which are rich and intense. The tannins are elegant, ripe and supple and, when combined with great acidity, produce wines which are remarkably balanced.

Tasting Note

A beautiful dark ruby colour.  The nose opens up with notes of fresh red fruits and spices. Pleasant to taste, this wine has a round and fruity attack before revealing its fine and silky tannins. This well balanced wine with long lasting aromas will be appreciated by knowledgeable winelovers and will seduce novices too.

Food Pairing

Grilled Meats, Cold Meats

Serving Suggestion

Serve between 14º-16ºC

Côte Chalonnaise
100% Pinot Noir
Cork

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