2002 Domaine des Perdrix Echezeaux

Domaine des Perdrix is a 75-acre estate in the Cote de Nuits. Its several appellations include a large parcel of Grand Cru Echezeaux and a monopole, Nuits-Saints-Georges Premier Cru Perdrix. The domaine’s cellars are in Premeaux-Prissey. The estate is run by Bertrand and Christine Devillard. Devillard is the daughter of the Marquis de Jouennes, owner of the Chateau de Chamiery in Mercurey and Domaine de la Fere in Givry. Domaine des Perdrix also makes a Premier Cru Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc, and several red Premier Crus Nuits-Saint-Georges.

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.