DOMAINE DERAIN MERCUREY ' LA PLANTE CHASSEY ' 2018

Wine Insight

Domaine Derain is a biodynamic producer in Burgundy with vines in a number of different Burgundian appellations. Dominique Derain started his career making wine barrels but decided, instead, to study winemaking in Beaune. In 1988 he and his wife Catherine purchased 5.5 hectares of vineyards in Saint-Aubin just south of Beaune and began tending the vines biodynamically and making their wines in a non-interventionist way as well.

The Saint-Aubin appellation is one of the hidden secrets of Burgundy because the vineyards border those of the premier crus of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet but do not command anywhere near their price. A few years ago, Dominique officially retired. His long time assistant Julien Altaber and his partner, Carole Schwab (who also worked for Dominique managing the administration) bought the domaine from him.

Julien, in addition to working for Dominique, had started his own domaine (Sextant) some years before, initially making his own wine in Dominique’s cellar, so it was a natural changing of the guard. You can see the change of ownership in the labels. The older labels reference ‘Catherine & Dominique Derain’ and the new wines are labelled ‘Domaine Derain’. Some of the labels on the Web site might still be from before the change of ownership, but all the wines we are now selling are from the new era.

However, although no longer an owner, Dominique is still intimately involved in the cellar and vineyard. He may not have the responsibility any more but as a mentor he is still ever-present. We have not had one visit to the cellar since the change of ownership where Dominique has not been there. He maybe waxing (he is still the master) or labelling bottles and he always tastes the Derain wines with us.

The wines are certified biodynamic by Ecocert and have been certified since 1989.

This wine made from Pinot Noir and a hint of Pinot  Beurot are hand-harvested and destemmed before being pressed. The wine is fermented in wooden vats and rests in old oak for up to 18 months before it is bottled without filtration. Despite Dominique’s background as a barrel maker, he never uses new wood on his wines.

Tasting Note: Garnet in the glass with a pinkish rim. The wine is loaded with cherry pit, orange peel and wild herbs. The palate delivers zesty red berry fruit, orange pulp and carries mineral infused herbaceous along to tan elegant lingering finish. This is a powerful and rustic Mercurey.

Pairs Well With:
Grilled Vinegar Turkey With Chiles and Rosemary

Sounds Like:
Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby