Joseph Drouhin Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2012

Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin. The estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family. Joseph Drouhin owns and leases vineyards across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis, and Beaujolais. Their extensive vineyard holdings allow them to produce a wide range of wines, from village-level to Grand Cru. Some of Joseph Drouhin's most iconic wines include their Clos des Mouches Premier Cru from Beaune, their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits, and their Montrachet Grand Cru from the Côte de Beaune. These wines consistently receive high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. 

Limestone is a dominant soil type in many of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards, particularly in the Côte de Beaune. Limestone-rich soils are prized for their ability to impart minerality and finesse to the wines. These soils often contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can vary in texture from compacted limestone to crumbly marl. Clay soils are prevalent in both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, providing structure and richness to the wines. Clay soils have excellent water retention properties, ensuring vines have access to moisture during dry periods. The presence of clay can contribute to the development of powerful, full-bodied wines with velvety tannins. Marl is a mixture of clay and limestone and is commonly found in Burgundy's vineyards. Marl soils offer a balance between drainage and water retention, promoting vine health and grape ripening. Wines produced from grapes grown in marl soils often exhibit a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. Some of Joseph Drouhin's vineyards may even contain pockets of gravel and sand, particularly in lower-lying areas. The diverse soil composition of Joseph Drouhin vineyards plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and character of their wines, reflecting the richness and complexity of Burgundy's terroir.

Clos Saint-Denis is produced in the commune of Morey-Saint-Denis, it’s the smallest Grand Cru vineyard of Morey, Clos Saint-Denis is located north of the village. Like all the other Grand Crus of Morey and Gevrey, it has a due east exposure. 

The primary grape variety used in this wine is Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy and is renowned for its ability to reflect the terroir of the region. This wine comes from grapes and musts purchased from supply partners according to rigorous specifications.The 2012 vintage has a deep ruby red color. On the nose, reveals aromas of ripe cherry, lightly spiced up by a touch of cigar and exotic wood. With age, the aromas take on animal or gamey notes. The best time to drink a Clos Saint Denis is when the wine is mature (5 to 10 years of age, depending on the vintages) in order to enjoy the perfect harmony that exists between acidity, « gras » (velvety texture) and tannin. A lingering aftertaste of candied fruit is characteristic of this delicious wine.