Bourgogne Rouge 'Cuvée Esus' 2022, Domaine Normand

Warm, spicy, and remarkably elegant — a red Burgundy endowed with a southern soul. The Bourgogne Rouge 'Cuvée Esus' by Domaine Normand is a powerful yet highly refined Pinot Noir from the southern Mâconnais. Combining ripe southern fruit concentration, subtly integrated French oak, and vibrant mineral acidity, this cuvée stands as a prized discovery for Burgundy enthusiasts.

On the nose, the wine opens with a rich bouquet of dark red fruit, wild blackberry, blueberry, and ripe strawberry, layered with notes of sous-bois, black pepper, crème de cassis, and a delicate touch of vanilla. On the palate, this Pinot Noir is full-bodied, polished, and generous. Silky tannins and balanced acidity deliver a seamless mouthfeel free of harsh edges, leading into a long, harmonious finish.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Pinot Noir sourced from limestone slopes in the southern Mâconnais (La Roche-Vineuse), near Cluny and the iconic cliffs of Solutré and Vergisson.
• Vivino ★ 4,2 | 5
• Winemaking & Ageing: Meticulous fruit selection and spontaneous fermentation, followed by patient maturation in French oak barrels to impart structural focus, complexity, and cellaring potential.
• Sustainability: Cultivated organically (under official bio-conversion) respecting soil health, bottled under low-intervention practices.
• Tasting Profile: Full-bodied, warm, spicy, and elegant. Notes of ripe red and dark berries, wild blackberry, black pepper, forest floor, crème de cassis, and subtle cedarwood.
• Ageing Potential: Highly approachable and generous now (decanting recommended), with the structural balance to cellar gracefully over 4 to 8 years.

Food Pairing

• Classic Mains: Outstanding alongside Boeuf Bourguignon, roasted leg of lamb, prime ribeye steak, or gourmet burgers.
• Autumn & Stews: Excellent match for rich autumn casseroles, wild game stews, and sautéed forest mushrooms.
• Charcuterie & Grill: An ideal partner for artisanal charcuterie, terrines, and upscale barbecue fare.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served slightly cool between 15°C and 17°C. Aeration in a decanter is highly recommended to allow the terroir to express its full depth.

The Terroir of La Roche-Vineuse

The Mâconnais terroir surrounding La Roche-Vineuse features limestone scree over clay subsoils. The southerly location provides ample warmth and sunshine compared to the northern Côte d'Or, granting Pinot Noir grapes natural fruit maturity, generous body, and a velvety texture underpinned by firm mineral structure.

About Domaine Normand

Domaine Normand is directed by Alain and Sylvaine Normand alongside their son Thomas. From their estate in La Roche-Vineuse, they manage over 35 hectares of prime vineyards across the southern Burgundy region. Guided by sustainable farming and precise cellar management, the Normand family creates authentic, expressive terroir wines defined by purity and Burgundian elegance.