Place: Chambolle-Musigny — Burgundy, France

Variety: Pinot Noir

Farming: Organic/Biodynamic

The producer

Between 2001 and 2004 Oronce de Beler worked for the well-known French magazine La Revue des Vins de France, after which he enrolled in Beaune's wine school.

During his studies he met Jeremy Seysses of the renowned Domaine Dujac, who offered him grapes from parcels his family had bought, but didn’t yet want to release under the Dujac label. Circumstances like this don't occur often and Oronce leapt at the opportunity, buying everything he could afford. Consequently, his first vintage was a release of Village and Premier Cru—an opportunity thousands would fight for. 

He now works closely with the farmers, opting for organic and biodynamic practices and as little intervention in the cellar as possible. The resulting wines are energetic, uninhibited and elegant. Given the quality of the vineyards he is working with, the prices have yet to catch up, making this a steal until more cotton on to the bargain to be found here.

The wine

The grapes used to make this Chambolle-Musigny (from 90-year-old vines) go through a double selection process—once in the vineyard, again in the winery.

Whole bunch vinification with native yeasts followed by ageing in oak barrels from the Tronçay forest for 15 to 19 months, depending on the vintage.

Incredibly elegant and energetic. Lovely now, but it has a long life ahead.