Domaine Besancenot has farmed vines in Beaune since 1850, now in its sixth generation as a family estate. Based on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Nicolas in the heart of Beaune, the domaine holds parcels across a dozen appellations, with a particular concentration of Beaune premier cru sites on the north side of the town's hillside. The vineyards are farmed under a Reasoned Agriculture approach certified HVE Level 4, France's highest environmental certification tier, and every cuvée is bottled under DIAM cork to guard against cork taint.

Beaune Toussaints 1er Cru comes from a 55-are parcel on the north side of Beaune's hillside, on the same clay-limestone soils that define the domaine's premier cru sites. Farmed under the same Reasoned Agriculture and HVE Level 4 certification and bottled under DIAM cork, it follows an extended oak-aging regimen typical of the estate's other premier crus, built for structure and a long life in the cellar.

Why You'll Love It

• A north-side Beaune premier cru from a producer that has worked this exact hillside since 1850.
• Pinot Noir at its most structured, with the firm tannins and depth typical of Beaune's premier cru sites.
• Built on the same clay-limestone terroir that defines the domaine's Cent Vignes and Clos du Roi bottlings.
• An extended barrel-aging regimen typical of the estate's premier crus lends real backbone and aging potential.
• HVE Level 4-certified farming, the highest tier of France's environmental certification.
• A long aging window rewards patience, though it drinks beautifully with a touch of air today.

How To Serve It

• Serve at 61-66°F.
• Decant for 30-60 minutes if opening young.
• Pour into Burgundy stems.
• Pair with grilled red meats, duck breast, coq au vin, or a well-aged, hard cheese.