1990 Domaine J. Confuron-Cotetidot Echezeaux

Domaine J. Confuron Cotetidot is owned and operated by the Confuron family, which has been making wine in Vosne-Romanée since the 17th century. The family is so famous and established in the region that there is a Pinot Noir grape clone named after them, Pinot Confuron. The estate’s 30 acres of vineyards include legendary Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages parcels, none of which has ever been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Long before biodynamic farming became a movement, the Confurons were farming organically. Brothers Yves and Jean-Pierre run the estate today, with help from their parents. The domaine is known for whole cluster fermentation and a deep, dark, classically concentrated style that is considered by Burgundy aficionados to be distinctly old school, and highly impressive.

Echezeaux is a 93-acre Grand Cru vineyard on the southern edge of the Cote de Nuits. It up the slope from Clos de Vougeot and Grands Echezeaux and is one of the largest grand crus in Burgundy. The vineyard varies in elevation from 250 to 300 meters, and the terroir includes significant clay as well as thin, rocky soil. The largest proprietors are Domaine de la Romanee Conti, with 11.68 acres; Mongeard-Mugneret with 6.25 acres, and Emmanuel-Rouget, with 3.58 acres. Echezeaux produces red wine.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.