2009 Domaine Christian Belleville 'Les Chauchoux' Rully AOC
Mission Codename: Certainly NOT Un-Rully
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Visit the Côte Chalonnaise commune of Rullyand retrieve a delicious Red Burgundy.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Domaine Christian Belleville
Wine Subject: 2009 ‘Les Chauchoux’ Rully AOC Red Burgundy
Backgrounder: The village commune of Rully, the northernmost appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise. It is one of the best regions for delicious Chardonnay and is also well regarded for Pinot Noir in the area and has an excellent reputation for flavorful and serious wines. The AOC was formally designated in 1939 and there are 23 Premier Crus but not one Grand Cru in the appellation.
The region is well known for its unique soil composition of white limey marl and calcic limestone, Jurassic gravel and rock and red clay. Also the vines grown in Rully are grown at an elevation of from 750 to 1100 feet above mean sea level.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Bright and glistening ruby red with sparkling ruby streaks in its crystal clear core. The bright ruby color extends to the very rim lass and when swirled, widely spaced fat legs are randomly spaced around the edge of the glass.
Smell – Fresh and ripe red fruit including red cherry and strawberry leading the way with redolent floral, spice and soft toasted oak aromas that include notes of cola, vanilla and both exotic and brown spice.
Feel – Velvet smooth and fresh on the palate with racy acidity and medium firm but supple tannins generously expanding over the palate with a soft touch of mineral texture.
Taste – Ripe, sweet and tangy red cherry, strawberry, raspberry followed by slightly more tart versions of the same fruit are followed by the layers of other complex flavors including spring flowers, brown spices, cola and toasted oak.
Finish – Clean, fresh and medium long in length with the tangy red fruit lasting as the other complex flavors linger. The supple tannins and racy acidity linger on the tongue and invite another sip.
Conclusion – The 2009 Domaine Christian Belleville ‘Les Chauchoux’ Rully AOC is a delicious and fresh Pinot that bridges the gap between French styles and the newer American fruit forward style without sacrifice. Fresh and ripe fruit on the nose and a well structured palate blend with a slightly fruit forward flavor profile making this wine great for food. Enjoy this wine tonight or cellar for the next five years to see how it evolves. A nice wine to pair with pork whether roasted, grilled or barbecued.
Mission Report:
Agent White has been reported as A.W.O.L. and last seen just outside Beaune sipping wines at a cafe and enjoying local food and culture.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the the Rully commune south of Beaune and northwest of Chalon-sur-Saone can be seen in thissatellite photo.