Domaine Lucien Boillot & Fils Bourgogne Les Grands Poisots En Souvenir du Beurot 2018

VINTAGE : 2018

COUNTRY : France

REGION/APPELLATION : Burgundy

VARIETALS : Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris)

Pierre Boillot is a rare master of both the Côtes de Beaune and the Côtes de Nuits–not only does he have the vineyards but also the savoir-faire and skill. Pierre inherited this domaine from his father Lucien, whose name it still carries. Pierre’s talent became much more evident as he took full control over this domaine, and in addition to retaining the original cellars in Gevrey-Chambertin, Pierre has instituted a rigorous revitalizing of the soils and vines in all of his vineyards. Every wine is a classic representation of its appellation–from Volnay and Pommard to Gevrey and Nuits-Saint-Georges, as Pierre’s work in the cellars is geared towards transparent, terroir-driven wines of purity and finesse.

The truth is, this is a Volnay Blanc. However, thanks to wine legislation in France, it can’t be labeled that way. Pinot Beurot is the Burgundian name for their local strand of Pinot Gris. It can be found co-planted with Pinot Noir in really old Burgundian vineyards, and it added aroma and texture to some of the weaker Pinot harvests of yesteryear, much like Viognier was used in Côte-Rôtie. As average temperatures moderated in Burgundy over recent decades, the Boillots decided to separate these grapes to make a dry white wine. It is unique and delicious and showcases an interesting bit of Burgundy’s history.