Domaine Jaeger-Defaix, Rully 1er Cru Rouge, Clos du Chapitre, Burgundy, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Hélène Jaeger-Defaix took over her first vineyard in Rully 1er cru Mont-Palais from her great-aunt, Henriette Niepce in October 2002, and runs the estate with the same organic cultivation philosophy as that of her husband’s Chablis domaine (Bernard Defaix).

The family has a long history in the region, with Henri Niepce, the great-grandfather of Hélène contributing significantly to Rully gaining its AOC status in the 1930s, and helping to build its fame. Located in the Chalonnaise, only 100 hectares of Rully’s vineyards are classified as 1er cru. Farming organically since 2009, the vines have an average age of at least 35 years. The grapes are hand-picked, and pressing is slow and gentle to extract the best juice, with modest handling to preserve the elegance of the wine.

Viticulture

The Clos du Chapitre is a parcel entirely surrounded by a 2m hight wall where the average vine age is 40 years. The soils are perfect for the cultivation of grapes with excellent aeration of the soil. The plant density is about 10000 plants per hectare and harvest is carried out by hand.

Winemaking

A severe sorting is done when the grape arrives at the cellar followed by de-stemming. Maceration and fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts over approx. 3 weeks. Aged in used French oak usually with a little new oak thrown in to add complexity. Barrels are blended and aged in tank for 6 months before bottling.

Tasting Note

This fine, elegant Clos du Chapitre is a very Burgundian style of Pinot Noir. Aromas of red and black fruit dominate the nose with violets and cherry in abundance. Fine, supple tannins and a refreshing acidity on the palate make this a truly remarkable bottle of Pinot.

Food Matching

A beautiful wine which will enhance many dishes, particularly well suited to game dishes.