Description
🏰 【 Winery Legend: Domaine Nicolas Faure 】
Among the new generation of Burgundy winemakers, Nicolas Faure is regarded as a cult figure. Without a significant family inheritance of vineyards, his professional resume is nonetheless one of the most prestigious in the world: he honed his craft at the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC), worked with the Northern Rhône master Jean-Louis Chave, and held a key position at Domaine Prieuré Roch. Today, alongside managing his own boutique estate, he serves as the vineyard manager for his wife’s family estate, Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet.
Nicolas’s winemaking philosophy is deeply influenced by his time at DRC and Prieuré Roch, emphasizing low-intervention and meticulous, garden-like vineyard management. From his tiny, unassuming cellar in Meuilley, he produces wines that capture the soul of Burgundy. With production often limited to just one or two barrels per cuvée, these wines have become highly sought-after "unicorn" bottles for collectors worldwide.
🌿 【 Terroir and Craftsmanship 】
Les Vignes Blanches is a micro-parcel located at the base of the slope in Pernand-Vergelesses. The soil, characterized by limestone and clay, provides excellent drainage and imparts a distinct mineral tension to the Aligoté grape.
This cuvée is particularly special due to its lineage. The vines were planted in 2021 using top-tier Massale Selection sourced from the Aligoté specialist Sylvain Pataille. Despite the young vine age, Nicolas’s extreme low-yield approach and biodynamic practices result in a wine of surprising concentration. The winemaking involves whole-bunch pressing and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels and is bottled with minimal sulfur and no filtration to preserve the purity of the fruit.
📅 【 Vintage Analysis and Expert Scores 】
2023 is a standout year for white Burgundy. A warm and sunny summer allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining health and balance. Compared to the leaner 2021 vintage, the 2023 Aligoté shows more generous fruit and a silkier texture, all while retaining the variety’s signature vibrant acidity and freshness.
🏅 Score: Vin d'émotion - Winehog (Steen Öhman)“A potential vin d’émotion - frais et léger. Lots of ripe fruit dominating... looking at the complexity that has returned.”
🍷 【 Tasting Notes 】
👃 Nose: Elegant aromas of white flowers (hawthorn), fresh green apple, and lemon zest, underscored by a subtle chalky minerality.
👅 Palate: Exceptional energy and purity. The palate is driven by high-toned acidity but balanced by a rounded texture. Flavors of citrus fruits and stone fruits are complemented by a fine mineral core.
✨ Finish: Crisp and clean, with a lingering saline finish and an impressive sense of drive.
🍽️ 【 Service Guide 】
🌡️ Temperature: 10°C - 12°C⌛ Decanting: Recommended to let breathe in the glass for 15-20 minutes⏳ Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030🍴 Food Pairing: Oysters, steamed seafood, goat cheese, or traditional Burgundy Jambon Persillé.
💬 【 Manager's Pick 】
⚡ This Aligoté by Nicolas Faure is a true "unicorn" wine—rare and incredibly sought after. With his background at DRC and Prieuré Roch, Nicolas brings an unparalleled touch to the Aligoté variety. Although the vines are young, the massale selection from Pataille delivers a level of intensity and mineral drive that rivals much more expensive appellations. The 2023 vintage offers beautiful fruit density. This is top-tier Aligoté that every Burgundy enthusiast must try. ⚡
⚠️ 【 Disclaimer 】 The above information is for reference only. The actual tasting experience may vary depending on storage conditions and personal preference. While we strive for accuracy, the final details should be based on official releases.
