Domaine de la Métaire d'Alon Pays d'Oc Le Village Pinot Noir 2023

The benchmark for Pinot Noir winemakers is a good red Burgundy. Warmer regions tend to favor a more alcoholic, sultry style. The finesse, freshness, and complexity of high quality are reserved for cooler terroirs.

The Limoux region, with its high-altitude and therefore cool vineyards, is a prime example. It was therefore a logical step for Burgundy winemaker Laurent Delaunay to invest in one of the region's top terroirs at the Domaine de la Métaire d'Alon.

The 'Village' is a blend of Pinot Noir from various organically farmed vineyards. The wine is made in the same way Laurent does in Burgundy. The hand-harvested grapes are cold-soaked, then partially destemmed and fermented as whole bunches in stainless steel tanks. After pressing in a small grape press, they are aged for nine months in small oak barrels, two to three years old.

This is a particularly beautiful Pinot Noir, Burgundian in style and with a lively freshness. Beautifully crafted.