Givry Vieilles Vignes Domaine Ragot 2020

Givry Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Ragot, Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France, 2020 

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir, hand picked, destemmed fruit from 50 year old vines, fermented in stainless steel tanks, 12 months' ageing in French oak (one third new barrels).

Domaine Ragot has been a family winemaking business since the 18th century and, eight generations later, Nicolas Ragot took the helm at this eight-hectare Givry estate in 2003, modernising the bottling line and cuverie to work in a more precise, less interventionist manner. Working the soils, harvesting by hand and classical winemaking with destemmed fruit and macerations of some 10-15 days are the rudiments of the approach. The result is supple, flavourful reds and whites that still fly somewhat under the radar and merit consumer attention.

The vineyards cover 9ha, with 3ha being Premier Cru. No weed-killer has been used for 20 years.

"Subtle Pinot with great colour, and an intriguing, slightly earthy note. Lots of purity here. Pretty good value for a classy domaine wine with concentration and typical Pinot delicacy on the palate." GV (AWH)

15.5/20 points, Andy Howard MW, JancisRobinson.com, January 2022