Mercurey 'Le Balcon' 2021, Domaine de la Luolle

Charming, buoyant, and refined — a biodynamic Mercurey Pinot Noir blending bistro warmth with Premier Cru stature. The Mercurey 'Le Balcon' 2021 by Domaine de la Luolle originates from a tiny, stony 0.30-hectare plot atop the hill directly above the celebrated Premier Cru Clos du Roi. This cuvée marries juicy red fruit, delicate floral notes, and silky, rounded tannins ideally suited for classic bistro cuisine.

In the glass, the wine displays a bright, radiant ruby hue. The nose opens enchantingly with notes of red rose petals, ripe raspberries, redcurrants, and a subtle touch of warm spice. On the palate, it is fresh, juicy, and vibrant. Incorporating roughly 30% whole clusters during fermentation imparts a subtle floral lift and structural depth. A 12-month maturation in French oak delivers seamless balance without overpowering the wine's vibrant fruit core.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Pinot Noir sourced from the micro-parcel 'Le Balcon' (0.30 ha) in Mercurey (Côte Chalonnaise), situated directly above the Premier Cru Clos du Roi on warm, stony limestone-clay soils.
• Winemaking & Ageing: Hand-harvested, followed by spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts with ± 30% whole-cluster inclusion for added structure and floral nuance. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.
• Sustainability: Certified biodynamic. Bottled under low-intervention principles to preserve purity and terroir expression.
• Tasting Profile: Fresh, juicy, floral, and elegant. Notes of red rose petal, ripe raspberry, redcurrant, subtle baking spices, and silky tannins.
• Ageing Potential: Accessible and expressive now, with the structural balance to cellar gracefully over 4 to 8 years.

Food Pairing

• Bistro Classics: Outstanding alongside classic Steak Tartare, traditional Boeuf Bourguignon, or roasted veal chops.
• Poultry & Game: Excellent match for pan-seared duck breast, roasted pheasant, farmhouse chicken, or game birds with a berry reduction.
• Cheese: An ideal companion for soft, creamy French cheeses such as Brie de Meaux, Chaource, or Reblochon.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served slightly cool between 14°C and 16°C in generous Burgundy crystal glasses.

The Terroir of Le Balcon

The tiny 'Le Balcon' parcel perches like a natural balcony at the crest of the Mercurey hill, situated directly above the iconic Premier Cru Clos du Roi. The soil is exceptionally rich in limestone and loose stones that absorb and radiate solar heat. This enables Pinot Noir grapes to achieve full aromatic maturity while retaining crisp acidity and refined mineral tension.

About Domaine de la Luolle

Domaine de la Luolle is directed by Olivier and Sandrine Dovergne in Moroges (Côte Chalonnaise). Following a global circumnavigation by sailboat, they settled in Burgundy to craft pure, biodynamic terroir wines. Practicing minimal cellar intervention and holistic farming, Olivier and Sandrine produce characterful Crémants and Mercurey wines revered by fine dining enthusiasts.