All good things must come to an end, it seems. Gone is the unseasonable warm weather we’ve been enjoying, and here comes the snow. To combat these dark skies, today we’re tasting a brighter wine—the 2014 Domaine Terres Dorees Jean Paul Brun Bourgogne Pinot Noir.
Burgundy, or Bourgogne in French, is broadly split into two parts—Burgundy proper in the North, where you’ll find names such as Corton, Chambertin, and Romanee Conti, and in the South, the area of Beaujolais. Beaujolais is best known for its young, playful Gamay-based wines which, while highly drinkable, often lack individual character. Jean Paul Brun, however, has decided to turn that idea on its head.
Making wines around the village of Charnay since 1977, Brun has been at the forefront of a trend to bring serious and seriously tasty terroir-driven wines to Beaujolais. Parker has said, “His beautiful wines are favorites among purists” and with good reason. Brun eschews commercially prepared yeasts and instead uses those naturally found on his grapes to ferment them, giving them more individual character. He also believes in organic growing practices, minimizing his use of sulphur and pesticides in favor of natural treatments and CO2.
Today’s wine clearly shows the influence both of Brun’s guiding principles and the Beaujolais terroir. While the nose has the cherry typical of Burgundy Pinot, here it’s a brighter, juicier cherry, with hints of purple flowers and a certain grapiness. The palate is, in one word, red—red currant, red plum, apple and cherry. Despite its dryness, it starts with a berried sweetness and finishes with just the tiniest hint of oak. Its bright acidity, friendly fruit and moderate levels of tannin make this a wine that will pair beautifully with a wide range of food. Duck immediately comes to mind, as this would accent the herbal character which shyly suggests itself in the wine. And of course turkey! This juicy Jean Paul Brun would be a hit with your holiday plates, especially if cranberry sauce is involved.
Beaujolais is often a source of great values and this wine is no exception. At only $19.99, this is a wine that can brighten your day through months ahead!