Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils - Ladoix 1er Cru 'La Corvee' 2013 (3L)

Michel Mallard took the reins at his family’s Ladoix-based domaine in 2005 from his father, Patrick, and has brought with him a strict dedication to working as naturally as possible both out in the vineyards and in the cellar. (Michel is also the winemaker at Domaine d’Eugenie in Vosne-Romanée).

Short of being grouped in with the ‘Natural Wine’ movement Mallard’s vineyards are worked meticulously, vinified by gravity and the finished wines have nearly zero sulfur. The Mallards feel ther terroir-first approach is very beneficial for their 13 hectares of vines spread throughout the Cotes de Beaune (Côte de Nuits-Villages, Chorey-les-Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune, Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton, Corton and Corton-Charlemagne) as it allows the fruit to thrive and the wines are a touch more expressive and precise than they were before fully adopting their new approach.

The Ladoix 1er Cru La Corvée is located in Ladoix-Serrigny and has a southeastern mid-slope exposure. The term La Corvée refers to the medieval politico-economic system which lasted until 4 August, 1789. This term refers to the unpaid work imposed by a lord or master on his dependents; it was a form a non-monetary tax. Under this feudal system, serfs and people that were free but too poor were liable to the corvée, i.e. they were indentured servants. 

Age of vines: Between 50 and 60 years. This Ladoix 1er Cru La Corvée, is designed to be kept for many years, it is aged 15 months in 50% new wood casks (228L Burgundian tuns).

"This is earthier and slightly more deeply pitched than the Joyeuses but otherwise aromatically similar. There is more size, weight and power to the more concentrated middle weight plus flavors that possess a velvety mouth feel though the slightly saline finish is mildly austere." - 89-91 Points, Burghound

Producer: Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils 

Country: France 

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Pinot Noir 

Appellation: Ladoix 1er Cru 

Vintage: 2013

Size: 3L