Couvent Clos du Roy Marsannay Rouge 2023

The Chéron family’s history in Burgundy started with an auspicious

purchase in the 1930s: a few rows of Pinot Noir in Clos du Vougeot.

Today winemaker Philippe Chéron still tends the same vines that his

savvy grandfather acquired, plus some 25 acres of prime vineyard land

in the Côte de Nuits. Philippe calls himself a “winemaker in the service

of vineyards,” and it’s more than clear that each precious bottle from

this small estate puts terroir center stage. Farmed organically, Philippe’s

wines—including three monopole vineyards in Gevrey—are a very

exciting discovery in red Burgundy.

WINERY: Domaine du Couvent

WINEMAKER: Philippe Chéron

ESTABLISHED: 1930 (refounded 2020)

REGION: FRANCE • Burgundy • Gevrey-Chambertin

APPELLATION: Marsannay AOC

BLEND: 100% Pinot Noir

VINEYARDS: Estate vines from this historic vineyard north of the appellation,

located in the village of Chenove (next to Marsannay). ‘Clos du Roy’ was a

prized plot held by the dukes of Burgundy in the 13th century. East-facing;

about three-quarters of an acre in two parcels, a larger portion in the upper

half of the vineyard, which is steeply graded; a few vines on the flatter, lower

portion. Soils mix marl and alluvial limestone with sandstone.

AGE OF VINES: 20 to 30 years

WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Partial full-cluster; fermented on

indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled cement tanks; aged in older

French oak barrels for 15 months.

TASTING IMPRESSIONS: Aromas of red cherries, spice, wildflowers, light

earth. Medium-bodied; red plums and black cherries.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Red meat, game dishes, roasted duck