The Meursault Rouge "Criots" 2022 by Jean-Michel Gaunoux is a rarity that deserves special attention. While Meursault is universally known for its legendary white wines, this parcel demonstrates how Pinot Noir, grown on the highly calcareous soils typical of the area, can produce red wines of surprising finesse and mineral tension.
Jean-Michel Gaunoux Meursault Rouge "Criots" 2022
The Unexpected Elegance
The Meursault Rouge "Criots" 2022 from Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux is a fascinating wine that defies preconceptions. It comes from the lieu-dit "Criots", a parcel located on poor, stony soils that give Pinot Noir a vibrant structure and an almost "white wine-like" verticality. In a generous and bright vintage like 2022, Jean-Michel Gaunoux managed to maintain a crystalline freshness, offering a red that combines the fruitiness of Burgundy with the noble mineral austerity of Meursault.
Sensory Profile In the glass, it presents a bright, light ruby red color. The nose is an explosion of tart small red fruits: cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, enriched by delicate notes of undergrowth and a very distinct chalky mineral accent. On the palate, the entry is direct, almost taut, with a very fine and silky tannic texture. Despite its apparent lightness, the wine possesses great energy and a saline persistence that elegantly and refreshingly prolongs the sip.
Philosophy and Vinification Faithful to the classic style of the domaine, Jean-Michel Gaunoux vinifies the "Criots" with extreme delicacy so as not to overpower the aromatic fragility of Meursault Pinot Noir. Fermentation takes place in open vats, followed by aging in French oak barriques for about 14-16 months. The use of new wood is kept to a minimum to preserve the purity of the fruit and the transparency of the terroir. The wine thus expresses a frank and authentic character, ready to be enjoyed young or capable of evolving positively for several years.
Food Pairings This elegant red is perfect with poultry dishes (quail, guinea fowl) or delicate white meats such as pork fillet with prunes. Thanks to its mineral component, it is one of the few reds that also pairs well with fatty baked fish or dishes based on button mushrooms and Tuscan croutons.
Technical and Identification Data
Producer: Jean-Michel Gaunoux
Wine: Meursault Rouge "Criots"
Vintage: 2022
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Burgundy (Côte de Beaune)
Classification: AOC Meursault Rouge
