Francis Lechauve Beaune 2012

Beaune, Burgundy, France Francis Lechauve L'Eveil des Sens Beaune Les Paules Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a very long name for a beautiful Pinot Noir from Burgundy! Francis Lechauve is truly a modest man who lets his wines do the talking. He grew up in the small picturesque winemaking town of Meloisey, a couple of kilometers north of St Romain, and started working in the vineyards, helping out his neighbor at the age of 12. All of his vineyards are harvested by hand and during harvest his workers have a well-merited "casse-croute" (essentially everyone breaks bread together). His grapes are sorted once in the field and again in the winery. For his reds he uses 20-35% new oak as to not overpower his wines and of course only indigenous yeasts. L'Eveil des Sens Beaune Vieilles Vignes comes from the Vaumuriens vineyard on the top of the plateau. Average age of vines is 60 years. Mr. Lechauve works the domaine's 8 hectares himself, doing the tractor work himself. As is tradition, he does not prune until after the St. Vincent (after January 25th.) This wine is already approachable and will reward 10-15 years in cellar. Enjoy L'Eveil des Sens Beaune Les Paules with roast pork, grilled salmon, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.