Philippe Pacalet Échézeaux Grand Cru 2016

Overview

Échézeaux Grand Cru 2016 by Philippe Pacalet is a natural Pinot Noir that embodies the elegance of Burgundy. Hailing from the Côte de Nuits, this wine combines aromatic complexity with refined structure, showcasing the purity of its terroir and Pacalet’s minimalist philosophy. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in used oak without racking, the 2016 vintage balances ripe fruit, freshness, and minerality. Limited production, contains minimal sulfites, making it a natural wine for collectors and contemplative tasting.

Wine History

The 2016 vintage in Burgundy was marked by favorable climatic conditions, including a mild spring and warm, balanced summer, allowing slow and uniform ripening. For Échézeaux Grand Cru, Philippe Pacalet selected top-quality parcels, continuing his micro-négociant approach: he does not own vineyards but collaborates with growers practicing organic and biodynamic viticulture. The result is a wine that reflects the harmony between Burgundy tradition and natural winemaking. Contains sulfites.

Vineyard Philosophy

Vineyards for Échézeaux Grand Cru 2016 are managed with utmost attention to biodiversity and terroir respect. Hand-harvesting, low yields, and natural practices ensure grapes express their full character: minerality, freshness, and aromatic intensity. This careful vineyard management produces healthy, mature fruit, ready for vinification that enhances the complexity of this Grand Cru. Contains minimal sulfites.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Philippe Pacalet employs minimal intervention. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, no racking, and aging in used oak preserves the fruit and terroir purity. Sulfur dioxide is added only minimally for stability. This approach allows Échézeaux Grand Cru 2016 to showcase depth, finesse, and aging potential while fully expressing Pinot Noir nuances and Côte de Nuits complexity.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

Color: deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Nose: complex aromas of ripe cherries, forest fruits, sweet spices, and subtle earthy minerality.
Palate: elegant and structured, silky tannins, balanced freshness, long and persistent finish.
Pairings: pairs with red meat, game, roasted duck, and aged cheeses. Also excellent solo to savor the wine’s complexity and finesse.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée

• Denomination: Échézeaux Grand Cru

• Producer: Philippe Pacalet

• Vintage: 2016

• Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

• Soil: calcareous-clay, typical of Côte de Nuits

• Viticulture: natural, biodynamic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: indigenous yeasts, aged in used oak, no racking

• SO₂ added: minimal

• Production: limited

• Alcohol: 13% vol.

• Serving temperature: 16–18 °C

• Contains sulfites