Domaine Eric de Suremain

Appellation: Rully

Region: Burgundy

Country: France

Color: White

Varietal(s): Chardonnay

About The Producer

Suremain means 'sure hand' in French and Eric is definitely that. He was way ahead of his time and he still is. In 1983 he inherited Château de Monthelie from his grandfather, Robert, which sits on the side of a hill in Monthelie. In 1996 he took his vineyards biodynamic. But, that doesn’t mean he’s a man to embrace every little technological miracle that comes along. Eric still believes in getting up close and personal with his grapes- you’ll find him out in the fields. His vines are old and he keeps his yields very low. He is restrained when it comes to new wood.

Terroir & Vineyard Practices:

The grapes for L'intemporelle come from the 1er Cru Pillot plot in Rully. The vines date back to when they were planted in the 1920s. Eric believes it’s from these gnarled vines, which defy time, that he is able to make this generous Chardonnay with body and concentrated fruit flavors. Certified Organic/Biodynamic at the strictest level.

Tasting Notes

This wine offers complexity and freshness. It’s nose hints at rhubarb and licorice, but on the palate, it is round and buttered. The beautiful acidity has you salivating for a second sip. It is fabulous stuff and feels very comfortable in a crowd of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachets. This wine has the potential to age.

Vinification

Since 2000, Eric uses a vertical press, similar to what is used in Champagne. The juice filters naturally through the thickness of the cake (mass of the grapes). The harvested juice will remain 3-4 days in the vat to be decanted (the solid material settles at the bottom). It will be put into a barrel or wooden vat for natural yeast fermentation. From there the wine will mature on the lees in barrel for about 15 months.