Complex. Burgundy can be an intimidating place. Its classification rules are complicated, and its wines often require precise and careful cellaring. Even for experienced collectors it can tricky to time the optimum drinking window, and getting it wrong can be disappointing and expensive.
But not all of Burgundy’s wines are complicated. In Santenay, a town at the southern end of the Côte d’Or, Roger Belland and his daughter Julie make wines that are neither pretentious nor pricey. The Bellands use a cool, slow fermentation to preserve the fruit in their wines, and the results and friendly, attractive, delicious red Burgundies that need no patience.
Drinkable. In fact Belland’s wines age quite well, but they’re so drinkable young that most don’t make it past a year or two in our inventory. Today’s we’re suggesting the Santenay 1er cru “Beauregard” red from 2014. We’re nearing the end of our stocks, and as often happens with Belland’s wines, it’s drinking better than ever.
This wine is a delight. The nose is classic Belland, with bright red fruits, spring flowers, and intense berries. The mouth is punchy and dense, with attractive, juicy tannins and a silky palate bursting with raspberry and wild cherries. Burghound found it “deeply pitched,” “rich and seductively textured,” and with “good vibrancy.”
In a world of red Burgundies that need time and investment, here’s a drink-now cuvée for under $35.
____________________________
Belland Santenay 1er cru “Beauregard” red 14
Ansonia Retail: $40
6+ bottle price : $34/bot
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES