2017 Beaune, Les Teurons, 1er Cru, Domaine Rossignol-Trapet, Burgundy

A very pretty and poised bouquet, there’s an almost ethereal waft of redcurrant and strawberry fruits. This has a fine-boned structure and feels ready to drink now. The wine is “avenant” says Nicolas, meaning “pleasant”, but derived from “l’avenir”, meaning “the future”: the future is now! Drink 2020-2024.

For Nicolas, with the domaine’s focus on biodynamics, this was an année calme, a welcome respite between 2016 and 2018. His biggest challenge was to manage the pruning of the canes affected by last year’s frosts, so a green harvest was necessary as well. Harvesting started on 5th September in their Beaune-Teurons. He opted for lighter extraction this year with no punchdowns, but some délestage (rack and return) for aeration. Nicolas feels the style is very close to their 2016s. It is certainly a fine range this year and proof that good vineyard work was key to success.