Jean-Claude Rateau 1er Cru Blanc Les Coucherias 2018

$129.00

Jean-Claude first started discovering the joys of biodynamic farming in his backyard, growing food. So when he decided to become a winegrower in 1979 taking over his family’s holdings there was no question about making the change to biodynamic practices. He, therefore, has the honour of being the very first wine grower in Burgundy to work under biodynamic principles. His part of the walled vineyard “Clos des Mariages” is the first and therefore oldest biodynamic parcel of vines in all of the Cote d’Or.

Beaune 1er Cru "Les Coucherias" is high on the slope on the site of an old quarry and much of the sub-soil is limestone tailings, permitting root penetration and drainage, with a topsoil of mixed clay and limestone "marnes blanches." In biodynamic agriculture since 1979, the vineyard is a south-facing semi-circle—a very warm spot. 2018 has a pale green-gold robe. The nose offers an array of stone fruit and citrus peel aromas with a hint of mineral spice. The mid-weight, punchy palate shows a melange of stone fruit and green apple flavours with a pungent sense of minerality driving the long, concentrated finish. There's plenty going on here with ripe fruit and floral overtones vying with overt stoniness for attention. Just cracking with wild mushroom risotto, and a natural match for chicken, roasted cod, or even blanquette de veau. Give a quick decant now or better still in 2-3 years and beyond. 

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