Vineyard and terroir

The 2020 comes from two selected plots at Glen and Barleith, on opposite sides of the valley at 400–600 m. Predominantly clay and limestone soils contain traces of marl. The steep vineyards carry low-yielding French clones, with vines between 15 and 61 years old. Higher elevations bring more light and sunshine while retaining freshness and pronounced day–night temperature variation. The combination of orientation and altitude encourages phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar and preserves naturally medium-to-high acidity.

Grapes

100% Pinot Nero.

Vinification

The crop is hand-picked in two September passes; in 2020 these fell on 10 and 14 September so each lot could reach optimal maturity. Gravity-fed processing preserves whole berries, which travel in a small Cuvon vessel to small fermentation tanks. A five-day cold maceration precedes 15 days of fermentation in small stainless-steel tanks at 23°C.

Ageing

The wine spends 12 months in medium-toast French oak barriques and then matures in stainless steel. The 2020 technical sheet specifies 12 months in steel. It was bottled without filtration on 8 November 2022 to retain its structure and natural colloidal composition, then aged for another 15 months in bottle before release on 1 April 2025.

Technical data

The 2020 has 14.50% alcohol, total acidity of 5.7 g/L and residual sugar of 0.9 g/L. Production totalled 2,553 bottles. Formats are 0.75 L and 1.5 L.

Tasting profile

Deep ruby red. Subtle black berries, liquorice and fine smoky accents shape a bouquet that combines power with elegance. The dense, mineral palate layers black fruit over fine, fresh tannins and ends with a spicy, persistent finish. The 2020 is particularly structured, with riper and more intense black-cherry fruit while retaining excellent freshness.

Serving and pairing

A contemplative wine intended for important occasions.

Vintage notes

A warm spring accelerated development in 2020, followed by a cooler June and a variable early summer that demanded intensive vineyard work. A hot midsummer gave the wine structure and ripe, complex fruit. Large autumn temperature swings, together with the cooler and higher northwest-facing plot, preserved freshness and elegance.