Épineuil is a Burgundy village 20 kilometers northeast of Chablis. Like Chablis, Épineuil is characterized by a Kimmeridgian soil type - chalky, limestone-rich, and embedded with fossilized seashells - and a cooler climate compared with the Côte d’Or. Bourgogne Épineuil is the regional appellation for the red wines and rosés produced in and around the village of Épineuil. Dominique Gruhier launched his domaine in 1990 and obtained organic certification for his 10 hectares of vineyards in 2016.
Gruhier’s Bourgogne Épineuil Rouge is from various south- and southeast-facing, steep slopes (up to a 45% grade), with vines averaging 40 years old. The wine is vinified with 10-20% whole clusters and 2-3 weeks of spontaneous fermentation. It then spends 8-12 months in used barrels. The wine is light ruby-red in color and red-fruited in the mouth, with vivaciousness, salinity, chalkiness, and exceptional elegance. It’s everything you want from a “Chablisien” pinot noir, including great quality-price ratio for village Burgundy. Drink it in a Burgundy stem with a croque monsieur or madame or mushroom empanadas.
