From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Pairing: Wines made from Pinot Noir tend to carry an assumption of being light in body, with limpid red fruits that lean into tart flavors. Like anything else, this isn’t always true, and Pinot ranges in quality, flavor, depth, fruit, finish, and age-worthiness just like any other wine. Some Pinot Noirs, like this one, are more robust in texture, fruit, and spice notes, and one should approach pairing this wine appropriately by going for more robust proteins and richer flavors. Examples include pairing this wine with beef bourguignon, veal, lamb, roasted chicken (or chicken thighs) with figs or blueberries (check out the recipe below!), braised meats, hearty and creamy mushroom pasta or risotto, and any other dish centered around sausage, mushroom, or butternut squash with browned butter, rosemary, sage, or Mediterranean herbs.
Roasted Chicken With Figs and Rosemary
By Melissa Clark
About: In the hallowed vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Joseph Roty stands as evidence of the rich tradition and uncompromising dedication to the art of winemaking. This cherished domaine is home to one of Burgundy's largest concentrations of old vines, with an average vine age of about 65 years, some being over 120 years old, providing their resulting wines with remarkable structure and complexity.
Domaine Joseph Roty is steeped in history, bearing the weight of a winemaking lineage that dates back to the reign of Louis XIV. Since 1710, the Roty family has crafted wines of distinction, with current winemaker Pierre-Jean Roty representing the 11th generation. The Roty family has an unwavering commitment to the land they have owned and farmed since 1817, controlling about 15 hectares of vines.
The distinctive winemaking techniques used at the domaine have become the hallmark of their unique style. Late picking of the vines is a tradition, further concentrating yields, completely de-stemming their grapes coupled with fermentation below 30 degrees and a cuvaison that spans three weeks. The result? Wines that develop compelling aromatics, the hallmark Pinot Noir flavors of black cherry and stone fruit, and an enduring complexity courtesy of the old vine fruit.
Joseph Roty's approach is far from contemporary trends in winemaking, everything is destemmed & new oak usage is relatively high; around 50% on the village wines, 60-70% on the Lieux-Dit, and 100% on the Grand Cru. The winemaking process is deliberate, focusing on producing wines made to age, often requiring years to reveal their intricate layers of flavor fully.
Today, Domaine Joseph Roty boasts a fervent cult following, renowned not just for the longevity of the winemaking family but, more importantly, for the exquisite Burgundy wines they produce. In an era of constant change, the enduring words of Madame Roty ring actual - "Nothing changes." This consistency and respect for tradition remain the underpinnings of Domaine Joseph Roty, standing firm amidst the ever-evolving world of wine.
