Domaine Buisson-Charles Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons 2021

Winery Background and History

Domaine Buisson-Charles was founded in the 1960s in Meursault by Michel Buisson and has grown into one of the most respected artisan producers in Burgundy. Now run by his daughter Catherine Buisson and her husband Patrick Essa, with their son Louis gradually taking the reins, the estate focuses on producing terroir-expressive wines with minimal intervention. Spanning approximately 6 hectares, the domaine cultivates vines in Meursault, Volnay, Puligny, Chassagne, and Beaune. Known for its meticulous organic farming and avoidance of synthetic chemicals, the domaine has steadily earned acclaim for its precision, elegance, and vineyard-driven character.

Producer and Wine Maker

The domaine is managed by Catherine Buisson and Patrick Essa, with winemaking now led by their son Louis Essa. The family maintains a strong philosophical stance on low-intervention winemaking. They employ manual viticulture, plough with horses, and use natural methods in both vineyard and cellar. Their approach avoids chaptalization and acidification, with minimal new oak to allow terroir to speak clearly. Patrick Essa, a former educator, brings intellectual rigor to the cellar, while Louis continues to uphold and refine the family’s artisanal legacy.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Les Teurons Premier Cru vineyard lies on the slope just west of Beaune, sitting at around 300–350 meters elevation. The soils are predominantly limestone-based with clay and pebbles, offering excellent drainage and mineral tension. The vines here are notably mature, some exceeding 80 years of age, producing low yields of highly concentrated Pinot Noir. The slope benefits from a temperate continental climate with cool evenings, helping preserve acidity and aromatics. This combination of shallow soil and sun exposure creates wines with structure, energy, and aging potential. The location consistently yields wines with savory complexity and elegant red fruit character.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before vinification. Fermentation occurs in small tanks using indigenous yeasts, with a portion of whole bunches included depending on vintage. Maceration typically lasts three to four weeks with gentle punch-downs. The wine is then aged for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, of which about 25–30% are new. No fining or filtration is applied before bottling to preserve the purity and mouthfeel. Sulfur is used sparingly, only when necessary. The goal is to retain the precision and structure that define the Les Teurons terroir.

Tasting Notes

This wine offers a deep ruby color with purple reflections. The nose opens with dark cherries, violets, blackberries, and a touch of dried herbs and rose petals. On the palate, it shows supple tannins, fresh acidity, and flavors of wild berries, licorice, and light baking spice from oak. There’s a subtle saline minerality and an elegant texture that glides across the tongue. The finish is long and poised, revealing both fruit purity and an earthy core. It captures the vibrancy and refinement typical of top-tier Beaune Premier Crus.

Food & Wine Pairing

Domaine Buisson-Charles Beaune Les Teurons 2021 pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, especially duck or guinea fowl, and mushroom-based dishes like risotto with porcini. It also complements veal with sage, coq au vin, and fine charcuterie. For cheese pairings, it works well with semi-soft options like Morbier or Tomme de Savoie. The wine’s refined tannins and vibrant acidity cut through richer textures, while its earthy undertones harmonize with umami-driven ingredients. It performs best with foods that emphasize herbs, roasted elements, or slow-braised textures.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve this wine at 15–16 °C in large Burgundy-style glasses to allow the bouquet to fully open. Decanting for 20–30 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to enhance aromatic clarity and soften tannins. Avoid over-chilling, as this may mute its nuanced profile. If aged for more than 5 years, longer decanting (up to an hour) can benefit expression. It is best enjoyed in a quiet setting where its complexity can be fully appreciated.

Storage and Aging Potential

This vintage offers mid- to long-term aging potential. It can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruit and floral character, or aged 7–10 years to develop deeper tertiary notes of sous bois, dried spice, and forest floor. Stored in optimal cellar conditions (12–14 °C, dark, and humid), it should continue to evolve gracefully and maintain balance. From around year five, it begins to show the savory evolution expected of Premier Cru Beaune, revealing layers of complexity and textural finesse.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 93

• Burghound: 91–94 – “Elegant, pure… youthfully austere and notably more complex finale”