I love bourgogne (부르고뉴). It’s the most beautiful grape and the hardest to grow. It likes to live at the extremes. In New Zealand it grows at 45 degrees south in the bone-dry floor of glacial valleys in Otago. Frost and fungi threaten its thin, delicate skin. Yet, this grape for me is perfection. It struggles through snow and frost to produce something extraordinary and extremely sensual.
Sadly due to high taxes in Korea, a bottle of Burgundy (부르고뉴) or Pinot Noir costs as much as a night in a five-star hotel. Expect to pay 130,000-250,000 won for drinkable stuff. So I was pleased to find a good wine at 51,000 won.
Frédéric Magnien Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Genevrieres 2004
Color: Classic Burgundy. None of that dark red you sometimes get with new world pinot.
Bouquet: Bright and fresh upon opening. Doesn’t need hours to breathe. Fresh raspberries, balanced fruit, wild herbs and forest floor notes. A hint of richness.
Palate: Lovely acidity and touch of minerality throughout. Bright and lively. Velvet tannins across the tounge. Subtle richness and complexity but this doesn’t dominate or intimidate. Very balanced and composed. Lingering persistent finish with freshness and balanced acidity. Classic Burgundy. Gorgeous.
Extremely good value for money. Purchased at 51,000 won retail.
Served slightly chilled due to the 25 degree weather and today’s typhoon humidity. Paired with Korean smoked duck.
By Joshua Hall
You can read the original post at Wine Korea.
