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.
The appellation ‘Clos de l’Ecu’ most probably comes from the Middle Ages: this clos or walled vineyard allowed the owners to pay the taxes they owed the Dukes of Burgundy, in the unit of currency of the time the ‘Ecu’. This monopole or single-estate vineyard of Domaine Faiveley, was acquired in 2003.
Total Surface Area: 2ha 37a
Exposition: East, South-East
Soil: Gravelly
Domaine Faiveley surface area: 2ha 37a – Monopole (5.85 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1948, 1980, 1989, 1994
Average annual production: 14,900 bottles
The hand-picked harvest goes through a short prefermentary maceration before being vinified. For the duration of the 18-20 day vatting period, the wine is kept at low temperature. It is then matured in oak barrels for 14-16 months, in nineteenth century vaulted cellars which provide ideal conditions for raising wines. The proportion of new oak, which is susceptible to variations according to the vintage, represents on average two thirds of the cuvée. The barrels come from high quality barrel makers and have been rigorously selected for their fine grain and light toast.
2020 is a warmer vintage yet the wines show a lot of freshness and no flavours of over-ripeness. The winter was unusually warm with very little rainfall. Heavy frosts happened during spring, although a very low level of humidity helped to protect the vines. After a 2nd cold period mid-May, summer was extremely dry aside from a few isolated storms (Nuits-Saint-Georges – Vougeot). The harvest started on August 19th, a historically early date and came to an end on September 1st.
This terroir offers a fruity and very elegant of the Pinot Noir varietal. It displays a deep ruby colour and remarkably pure notes of red and black fruits. The palate is lively and spicy with a refreshing touch of menthol. This wine evolves beautifully in the bottle although its generous character makes it a pleasure to drink in its youth.
Breast of Duck, Filet of Beef, Lamb Casserole
Serve between 14º-16ºC. Cellaring potential: 7 to 15 years
Côte de Beaune, Premier Cru
100% Pinot Noir
Cork
Yes
No