Mercurey rouge Premier Cru
"Clos des Ruelles" Monopole

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Terroir

Our vineyard of Les Ruelles monopole is composed by 2 plots with different exposures. Vines planted between 1954 and 1980.
Total area: 2,5377 hectares (6,2681 acres)
Climat & Soil : Vines exposed South/South-east. Clayey and limestone soil with a limestone predominance. High concentration of oxidized iron components.

Winemaking and Aging

To preserve their integrity, grapes are carefully harvested and sorted out by hand.
Before beginning the alcoholic fermentation we make a cold pre-fermentation during 4 to 6 days to work on the phelonic component's exctraction. Grapes are previously partially destemmed. Then full maceration lasts for 15 days during which we'll use only pigeages (punching the cap). Intensity and numbers are lead to the concentration of tannins, perfumes and colour.
Alcoholic fermentation is realized with natural yeasts.

After maceration, free and press wines are separated for aging.
Aging process is taking place 100% in traditional Burgundian 228 liters barrels during 15 months with around 30% of new barrels.
We only use French oak coming mainly from Bourgogne, Allier and Vosges forests.

Tasting notes

Dark cherry colour with purple tints.The nose is intense and opens on dark fruits aromas, blackcurrant and forest floor notes.
On the palate, tannins are refined and the wine offer a generous afterstaste.

Food and wine pairings

The Mercurey rouge Premier Cru 'Les Ruelles' monopole 2014 will perfectly pair with game birds : pheasant or partridge with wild mushrooms ; soft cheeses or goat cheeses as Selles-sur-Cher, Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Charolais.

Service and cellaring

It can be served from now at 13-14°C or cellared for 6 to 8 years.

Art of tasting

Owning great wines in your cellar is not enough, you also need to know how to serve them.
Température is an essential element, around 53-57° F for the white and 55-59°F for the red. And if you don't have the right tasting glass which will amplify the wines's aromas, you may considerably reduce your tasting pleasure.
A great glass gives a large ventilation surface to the wine and a tightening neck, which allow the nose to grasp more easily the richness and the complexity of a great wine.