Beaune 1er Cru “à l’Ecu” 2018, Domaine Besancenot

Located north of Beaune at the highest point of the slope, the 1er Cru “À l’Ecu” benefits from limestone-rich soils and exceptional exposure. It is one of the smallest Premier Cru sites in Beaune, shared among just three owners. The name “à l’Ecu” dates to the Middle Ages, referring to the enclosure where winegrowers once paid their taxes to the Dukes of Burgundy.

Hand-harvested fruit is vinified in open vats following traditional Burgundian methods, with gentle cap-punching and long maceration to extract depth and perfume. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (2 to 5 years old) for up to 24 months, emphasizing the purity of the terroir over oak influence.

On the nose, it offers lifted aromas of bright red and black fruits, fresh earth, and subtle spice. The palate shows supple tannins and silky texture balanced by vivid fruit and a mineral core. Elegant yet energetic, it drinks beautifully after 4 years and can age gracefully for up to 15.

Vineyard and Vinification
• Appellation: Beaune 1er Cru “À l’Ecu”
• Producer: Domaine Besancenot
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2018
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Aging: Oak barrels (2 to 5 years old) for 20 to 24 months
• Cellaring: 5 to 15 years

Tasting Profile
Bright red and black cherry, wild strawberry, spice, and subtle forest floor. Medium body with fine tannins, round texture, and mineral lift.

Food Pairings
Excellent with roasted meats, duck, charcuterie, or creamy cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin.

Quick Take
A rare Beaune 1er Cru from a tiny, historic plot. Silky, aromatic, and alive with limestone freshness.