Domaine Chanson Mercurey Rouge 2021

Winery Background and History

Maison Chanson, founded in 1750 in Beaune, is a long-standing Burgundy négociant and domaine. Over time Chanson expanded into owning vineyard plots across Burgundy including Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise, combining négociant sourcing with estate fruit. Their Burgundy arm, Chanson Père & Fils, oversees wines from their own parcels and selected climats, emphasizing clarity of terroir, modernization of cellar practices, and consistency across vintages.

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is produced under Chanson Père & Fils. Their winemaking team is responsible for vineyard decisions, harvesting, sorting, fermentation, and maturation. They favor minimal intervention, careful extraction, and controlled oak aging so as to support fruit and site character. The cellar philosophy often described is “infusion rather than construction,” meaning that structure is built gently rather than forced.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyard for Mercurey Rouge lies in the Côte Chalonnaise (the Mercurey appellation), on hillside slopes with southeastern exposures. The soils are typically marl, clay and limestone, with good drainage, favoring Pinot Noir in this region. The climate is continental with warm summers and cool nights, which helps retain acidity and aromatic nuance. Chanson’s Mercurey vines are on mid-slopes benefiting from sunlight and airflow.

Vinification & Aging Methods

After hand or selective picking, grapes are sorted and destemmed (or partly whole cluster). Fermentation is carried out under temperature control in vats or small containers, with moderate cap work for gentle extraction. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel or tank. The wine is matured for ~12–18 months in French oak, with a portion of new oak to add structure but not dominate fruit.

Tasting notes

Bright ruby color. The nose shows red cherry, strawberry, rose petal, and a hint of spice and earth. On the palate: well-balanced red fruit (raspberry, red plum), supple tannins, good clarity, medium body, and a clean, lingering finish with a touch of mineral and spice.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs nicely with roast duck, game birds, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, herb-based sauces, and grilled salmon (lighter reds). Also works with soft cheeses or charcuterie.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at around 15-17 °C. Use a medium to large Burgundy Pinot Noir glass. Decant 20-30 minutes to allow aromas to open and soften tannins. Pour gently to preserve clarity and avoid stirring any sediment.

Storage and Aging Potential

With proper cellaring (12-14 °C, stable humidity, darkness), this wine should evolve gracefully for 6 to 10 years. Over time it may develop tertiary flavors of earth, forest floor, dried fruit, while retaining its red fruit core.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13 %