Danjean-Berthoux Les Chavances 2018, Mercurey

When Pascal Danjean assumed control of his family estate more than 20 years ago, he decided to begin bottling and stop selling the product to the local cooperative. In 1993 he bottled the estate’s first vintage, and since then, he’s planted more of the estate's holdings, which are primarily located in 1er Cru vineyards in the small village of Givry in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise. The wines are never fined or filtered, and Pascal eschews the use of new wood almost entirely, resulting in soft, supple wines that allow the terroir to shine.

 This is an excellent expression of the vineyards in Givry and a must for a Pinot Noir lover. Located between the Cote d'Or districts to the north and the Maconnais to the south, Côtes Chalonnaise is a hotbed of value-priced Burgundy produced around the famed villages of Rully, Montagny, Givry, and Mercurey. Just 3 miles from Rully in the north and 4 miles from Givry in the south, Mercurey is a distinct village loaded with Premier Crus and elegant value-driven Lieu-dit. Les Chavances is well situated among the best vineyards but remains reasonably priced. Givry is planted on Oxfordian-era limestone and clayey limestone with a high proportion of iron and minerals. The terroir yields reds capable of firm structures but typically show very high-toned aromatics of violet, cloves, and delicate red cherry notes that make them the perfect pairing for paté, charcuterie, and terrines. The Chardonnays of Givry are bright, pale gold with notes of honey, citrus, and lily flowers.