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.
‘Aux Chaignots’ very probably indicates the existence of an old wood of oak trees, ‘chènes’ in French today, or ‘chasnes’ in Old French.
Total surface area: 5ha 85a
Exposition: East
Soil: Dark brown, limestone, gravel
Domaine Faiveley surface area: 0ha 72a – (1,79 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1960, 1965
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.
A classic winter, with average temperatures and rainfall, was followed by a much warmer March with temperatures around 27C. This brought bud burst forward by 10 days on the 4th April which proved to be catastrophic when temperatures dropped to -8C between the 5th and 7th April. The Chardonnay vines of Corton-Charlemagne and Puligny-Montrachet were badly impacted by the frost, given they were at a more advanced stage. Flowering took place between the 10th and 21st June, and it was fast and heterogeneous. May through to the end of July was cool and humid, with twice the average rainfall, but August saw warm and sunny weather which continued through to harvest.
Harvest started on 21st September in the Côte Chalonniase with white Mercurey, and in the Côte de Beaune with Corton-Charlemagne, Bâtard-Montrachet and Puligny 1er Crus. Volnay, Monthélie and Beaune Clos de l’Ecu. Picking began in the Côte de Nuits on the 23rd September with Grand Cru parcels being picked between the 24th and 26th September. Harvest finished on the 30th September with Mercurey Rouge, Marsannay and Gevrey Chambertin Village. The frosts reduced the yields considerably, harvesting around 20hl/ha for Chardonnay and 25hl/ha for Pinot Noir.
A fine dark ruby colour. This wine opens with red-fruit aromas on the nose, mixed with spicy, woody and smoky notes. On the palate, it is rich and supple. It is a wine of very beautiful substance, well-balanced between finesse and strength. The structure of the blended tannins makes this wine pleasantly harmonious.
Serve with Leg of Lamb, Breast of Duck, Vension
Serve between 14º-16º C. Cellaring potential: 7 to 12 years
Côte de Nuits, Premier Cru
100% Pinot Noir
Cork
13.5
Yes
No
