Bitouzet-Prieur Bourgogne Rouge 2021

Burgundy, France 

Bitouzet-Prieur Bourgogne Rouge is a beautiful red Burgundy from this vineyard in the Cotes de Beaune region of Burgundy. Bitouzet owns 0.5 hectares of Pinot Noir in this vineyard (incorporated into neighboring Le Ronceret since 2006) which sits just below En Champans on the slope; half was planted in 1948, and the other half in 1998. A committed classicist, Vincent Bitouzet has provided the esteemed US importer Neal Rosenthal with over thirty years-worth of structured, demanding, age-worthy, satisfying wines, both red and white, from the heart of the Cote de Beaune. Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity. To truly understand great white and red burgundy, one must wait for these grand expressions of terroir to mature to reveal their splendor and spectacular nuance.—Importer Neal Rosenthal 

Vincent and Francois Bitouzet rigorously tend their vineyards, practicing organic viticulture that includes practices such as “sexual confusion” to reduce insect infestations, the use of organic compost when necessary, no herbicides or pesticides and severe limitations on the use of copper sulfate. Harvest is done manually. Classic Burgundian vinification is practiced at this traditional domaine. Only indigenous yeasts are used. 

Bitouzet’s formidable Bourgogne Rouge comes from a hectare’s worth of Pinot Noir planted between 1963 and 1970 in the lieu-dit Petit Près, situated just below the villages-level Volnay vineyard Les Pasquiers near the Meursault border. Aged entirely in used barrels for 12 months, it leads with fruit—small-berried, finely etched fruit—but possesses ample minerality and a notable sense of refinement for its level. 

Enjoy Bitouzet-Prieur Bourgogne Rouge with roast pork, grilled salmon, ratatouille and aged cheeses.