Dominique Gruhier - Bourgogne Epineuil 2022

The village of Epineuil is located just 10 minutes northeast of Chablis. As in neighboring Chablis, the geology is Kimmeridgian.

Bourgogne Epineuil is the regional AOC for the reds and rosés produced in the village of Epineuil. The AOC was created in 1993. The reds are produced from Pinot Noir, whereas the rosés can be produced from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. There are 65 hectares under plantation (source: Inside Burgundy, Jasper Morris.)

But even though it is little known, what we have in Epineuil—particularly on the Côte de Grisey, with its near non-existent topsoil and up to a 45% grade—is Pinot planted on one of the great historical terroirs for Kimmeridgian whites. Planted to Pinot Noir like it is today, it produces reds that are stunningly distinct and assertive. Their mid-palate is intensely mineral, and their finishes long and chalky. The fruit is so vibrant and acidulated in red fruit vintages that it feels bioluminescent, and even black fruit vintages in Epineuil have the energy of red fruit. Dominique’s whole-cluster, light extraction, low sulfur winemaking is fruit-driven and transparent. Rare are the pinots in Burgundy that combine such vivacity, chalkiness and sexiness.

Smart people will get past the regional classification and think of these not as Bourgogne but as Epineuil, which nineteenth century authors thought was superior to Irancy. Not only are Dominique’s wines some of the greatest values for Pinot Noir, they have a magnificent identity.

A fantastic everyday Pinot, light, lovely aromatics and refreshing...Won't disappoint. 

Producer: Domaine Dominique Gruhier 

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Appellation: Bourgogne Epineuil 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml