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Wine Description
The Story
The name " Ruchottes " comes from "Ruchots", the rocksfound on the surface at the entrance atthe lower end of the Clos. Ruchottes-Chambertin is located above Mazy-Chambertin. This appellation, consists of three areas, Ruchottes Bas, Ruchottes Haut and Clos des Ruchottes (monopoly of Domaine Rousseau). There are two veins of rock underneath the Clos, separating it from the rest of the appellation. It is at the same level as Chambertin.
The soil is composed of a shallow layer of red marl up to the top of the area. It is very pebbly, shallow and not fertile. The vines are based on oolithic limestone dating from Bathonien which desintegrates if frozen producing scree. This soil type forces the roots to go deeper into the rock. This results in a more fragrant, mineral style of wine that is lighter in colour but with a fine and elegant body. The proximity of Combe Lavaux leads to a later maturity than the other Grands Crus but with a greater freshness. It is an aromatic and very complex wine with oriental notes of spices and red fruits. Very elegant and delicate wine.
Vintage 2019
“2019 is ‘the perfect storm’ of a vintage,” said Laurent Drouhin of top negociant house Drouhin, which owns vineyards in many parts of Burgundy. “We keep smiling because some wines will be great.” The mix included the hottest temperatures since the time of the Black Death 700 years ago (!), frost in April, rain in June, and no rain for nearly four months.
Drouhin’s harvest started on time on Sept. 13, and Laurent’s winemaking brother Frederic reports, “The first reds show an intense and beautiful color, good concentration, great balance and acidity and depth. The whites also show good richness with balance.” It’s a great year for reds, with slightly higher alcohol than usual.
The downside is very low yields. In just one April night, frost destroyed about 30% of the crop in Macon, though what’s left is making wines with good acidity and aromas.
Export company Le Serbet gathered reports from 65 producers in its portfolio, and head of marketing Peter Wasserman says the loss of grapes varies from vineyard to vineyard; in some places it may be as much as 50% to 60% lower than normal. Northern appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin seem to have done best, down only 10%.
With less wine, you might predict even higher prices, but producers worry that this would drive away consumers.