Grand Echezeaux 2001 Domaine Romanèe Conti

* Last bottle of 2001 left in stock, shipping on Monday

Grand Echézeaux: The Pinnacle of Pinot Noir from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

Grand Echézeaux is one of the most refined and sought-after wines in France, produced by the legendary winery Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, located in Vosne-Romanée, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the most prestigious area in Burgundy. This wine represents the pinnacle of elegance and complexity in Pinot Noir, a true expression of the region’s winemaking tradition.

History and Philosophy

The history of Grand Echézeaux dates back centuries, when Cistercian monks began cultivating vineyards in this particularly suitable area. The Grand Echézeaux comes from a vineyard located at the heart of the Echézeaux appellation, but due to its privileged location, the wine produced here has superior quality, earning the “Grand” classification. Acquired by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in 1988, this cru has become a cornerstone of the estate, producing a wine that embodies perfection and finesse that only a producer of this stature can offer.

The Grand Echézeaux is the result of a rigorous approach to winemaking, focusing on purity and respect for the terroir. The estate follows a biodynamic management philosophy, preserving the health of the soil and the unique character of the wine.

Grape Variety

Grand Echézeaux is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from a 3.5-hectare vineyard located in the Grand Cru area of Echézeaux. The selection of grapes is extremely rigorous, with only the finest bunches being used for this top-tier wine. The yield is limited, ensuring a higher aromatic concentration.

Vinification and Aging

The winemaking process for Grand Echézeaux is carried out with meticulous care, following traditional Burgundy methods:

• Alcoholic fermentation: takes place in wooden vats, allowing a delicate extraction of tannins and aromas.
• Malolactic fermentation: occurs in oak barrels, contributing to further aging and softening of the wine.

The aging of Grand Echézeaux occurs in French oak barrels for a period ranging from 18 to 24 months. This long maturation allows the wine to develop extraordinary complexity, while maintaining freshness and elegance.

After bottling, the wine rests for several months in the bottle to ensure that every aromatic nuance evolves optimally before release.

The alcohol content of Grand Echézeaux is approximately 13.5%, giving the wine a balanced structure while maintaining a vibrant freshness.

Organoleptic Characteristics

Grand Echézeaux is a wine that captivates with its complexity, elegance, and depth. In appearance, it presents an intense ruby-red color, which deepens into garnet with aging, indicating its aging potential.

Nose
On the nose, Grand Echézeaux offers an extraordinarily complex bouquet. Fruity aromas of ripe cherry, black currant, and strawberry intertwine with floral notes of rose and violet. As the wine opens up, hints of sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves emerge, along with earthy, mineral nuances and a touch of leather and tobacco, suggesting barrel aging.

Palate
On the palate, Grand Echézeaux is extraordinarily elegant and velvety. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a silky smooth texture. The vibrant acidity keeps the wine balanced and harmonious. The sip is enveloping and complex, with a long finish that brings back ripe fruit, delicate spices, and a subtle mineral aftertaste, delivering a sense of great finesse.

Food Pairings

Due to its structure and elegance, Grand Echézeaux pairs perfectly with refined and complex dishes such as:

• Roasted red meats (beef, venison)
• Game birds (such as guinea fowl and duck)
• Game meats (wild boar, roe deer)
• Aged, fatty cheeses, such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano

Serving Temperature

To fully appreciate its nuances, it is recommended to serve Grand Echézeaux at a temperature of about 16-18°C, preferably after decanting for at least one hour.

Conclusion

Grand Echézeaux is a wine that represents the art and winemaking tradition of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. It is a wine destined for those seeking perfection in the glass, capable of evolving magnificently over time and providing unique experiences with every sip. An icon of Pinot Noir, a masterpiece that celebrates the mastery of Burgundy’s terroir and its exceptional aging potential.

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Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is one of the most prestigious and famous wine producers in the world, located in Burgundy, France. Known for its incredible quality and rarity, it is considered one of the best producers of Pinot Noir, the main grape variety of the region. The Domaine produces some of the most sought-after and expensive wines, and its reputation is tied to centuries of winemaking tradition.

History:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 12th century, when Cistercian monks began cultivating vineyards. The name “Romanée” is associated with the land and the wine’s quality, while “Conti” refers to the family who became the estate’s owners in the 17th century. Over the years, the estate passed through various noble hands, but its fame grew enormously starting in the 18th century.

In 1942, the property was purchased by the de Villaine family and Henri Jayer, a famous Burgundy winemaker. Today, the estate is managed by Jean-Charles Viala and Guillaume D’Angerville, who continue to uphold a high standard of quality.

The Wines:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti produces a small quantity of wines, but the ones it offers are among the most sought-after and admired in the world. The main ones are:

• Romanée-Conti: The most famous and sought-after wine, often considered the “king” of Pinot Noir. It is produced in very limited quantities (usually around 5,000 bottles per year) and is known for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.

• La Tâche: Another exceptional wine coming from a small vineyard adjacent to Romanée-Conti. It is often described as more intense and rich, with deep structure and a long aging potential.

• Richebourg: Produced from another vineyard, this wine is somewhat more accessible than Romanée-Conti but equally outstanding, with fruity and spicy aromas.

• Echézeaux and Grands Echézeaux: These wines come from vineyards located further south and offer a softer, rounder range of aromas.

• Corton: A relatively newer wine, but still highly appreciated for its richness and finesse.

The Land:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is located in the heart of Burgundy, in a small area known as Côte de Nuits, famous for its Pinot Noir vineyards. Its soils are exceptionally fertile and benefit from a unique microclimate that contributes to the creation of extraordinary wines. The vineyards are managed with strict cultivation methods, largely organic and biodynamic, to maintain ecological balance and soil quality.

Production:

Wine production is limited, which further increases the exclusivity and authenticity of the products. Winemaking methods are traditional but very meticulous. The use of high-quality wooden barrels is essential for aging the wines, which require long periods to fully express their potential.

Price and Rarity:

Due to its reputation, quality, and limited quantity of bottles produced, wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are extremely expensive. Some of these wines can reach very high prices at auctions, with Romanée-Conti being one of the most expensive wines in the world. The rarity and quality of these bottles make them coveted by wine collectors.

In conclusion, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a symbol of global winemaking excellence, a place where tradition, passion, and quality come together to create some of the most extraordinary wines in existence.