From: Burgundy, France
Varietals: Gamay, Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: This rare 2014 find is the epitome of bistro wine perfection. Bing cherry, currant, and crushed strawberries meet hints of licorice and pepper alongside baking spice and savory umami notes like truffle and mushroom. The palate largely follows suit, and you’ll notice that with ten years of age, this red from Thibault Liger-Belair is in a shining place of harmony: the ripe raspberry and strawberry medley evolving into a higher- toned bouquet perfectly balanced with earthy mineral, granitic textures, subtle spice, and rustic, layered complexity.
Pairing: We’re providing a spread of pairing options below, but hear me out. This wine will shine with the classics and humbler fare, including homemade or takeout burgers (beef/lamb/bean/etc.). While it’s hard to go wrong, our favorite pairing exercise for this wine is to indulge in “rustic snacking.” Go to Beast & Cleaver, DeLaurenti, Paris-Madrid Grocery, or your favorite butcher or place to procure pâté, Rillette, and specialty cheeses, and go to town. Pâté en Croute, charcuterie, sausages, cheeses, pickled veggies, fresh salad, French butter, lots of mustard options, and baguette will be perfect with this wine.
For heartier options, enjoy this wine with traditional pairings like roasted duck breast, beef bourguignon, coq au vin, beef Wellington, or venison stew. It also complements grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, and herb-crusted pork tenderloin. For lighter pairing options, try it with grilled chicken, vegetable tarts (check out the recipe below), homemade meatballs with Mediterranean spices, sauteed mushrooms with crostini or risotto, and even grilled salmon with a savory rub.
Roasted Veggie Tarts
By Tara Parker-Pope
About Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair.
According the the importer, “Thibault Liger-Belair’s philosophy is to bring in the grapes to the winery in an impeccable sanitary state and to handle each operation delicately. He aims to infuse instead of extract. His belief is that the less one mistreats the grape, the better the wine will be. Three coopers are used at the domaine: Tonnelerie François Frères, Tonnellerie Mercurey, and Tonnellerie Dominique Laurent. Thibault LigerBelair closely follows the wood selection according to the texture and origin and imposes a three-year drying period before barrels are made. This allows the use of perfectly dry wood which obtains superior tannin quality, making them much silkier and delicate. Rarely is more than 50% new wood used at Domaine Liger-Belair. The wines are aged according to their appellations, between 14 and 18 months, without racking or any other aeration. They are neither fined nor filtered.”
Based in Vosne-Romanée, located in the Côte de Nuits area of Burgundy, is one of the most revered wine-producing regions in the world. This small village is home to some of Burgundy's most prestigious vineyards, including several Grand Cru sites like Romanée- Conti, La Tâche, and Richebourg. The area has a long viticulture history, with vineyards cultivated since at least the Middle Ages. Known for its exceptional terroir, Vosne- Romanée produces Pinot Noir wines celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential. The region's unique limestone-rich soils, combined with a favorable climate, contribute to the distinct character of its wines. Over centuries, the reputation of Vosne-Romanée has grown, making it synonymous with some of the finest wines in the world.
Wine Notes: The cuvée "Les Deux Terres" (meaning the two lands, referring to their holdings of Gamay in Beaujolais and Pinot in Bourgogne) is a blend that combines the finesse of 15% Pinot Noir with the indulgence of 85% Gamay, sourced from select vineyards in Beaujolais and Bourgogne. The grapes are hand-harvested, followed by a week-long skin maceration and an extended 8-hour pressing. The wine is then aged for 15 months in oak barrels, enhancing its complexity without the influence of new wood. The precise blend changes annually to reflect the best qualities of each vintage, achieving a harmonious balance between the two varietals.
