Head of Monopole

2 minutes read

Visiting Burgundy always nourishes me in both heart and mind.

It is the vinous Mecca in my eyes and each trip offers something new. My outings this year to taste the 2022s easily reinforced my love for this most exceptional region. The visiting days were a condensed mix of sunshine, warmth, overcast, cold, wet and stormy conditions – a reflection of the growing season itself! Extremities that played out over a far more prolonged period of course but present all the same. The key to the vintage’s success, however, is all these conditions happening at the most ideal of timings.

I am enthralled by the 2022s and excited to see them unfurl over time. My opinion? It is a wonderful vintage which has the most incredible component: balance! Exceptional freshness meets ripeness, creating texture amongst a pure and site-expressive style. With the new era of vintages we have entered into, I would class 2022 as a true modern-day classic.

Of course, it is not only the wines that make Bourgogne the fabled vinous heartland that it is; it’s the people and places too. One of our most recent visits saw Guy and I lunch in a minuscule, jovial and cheery restaurant new to us both – L’Episode in Meursault. Very much a ‘kitchen with dining room’ feel, we were warmly greeted by the gregarious bearded proprietor. The food is refined and packed with flavour, alongside a very good wine list (including some great “out of town” options). Surrounded by pop art from musical rock legends, it added to the feel of the place where Jojo and his service took it to the next level.

ABOUT: Joe Muller

After completing a biomedical science degree, Joe very quickly realised laboratory work wasn’t for him and stumbled into a wine career instead. Joining Corney & Barrow in 2010, Joe has always had an undeniable soft spot for Burgundian wines from day one…

What is your favourite Burgundian subregion?

As my love affair with Burgundy continues its course, my partiality for White Burg flourishes more. With that in mind, I’d have to say the Côte d’Or, as it holds the keys to the greatest whites being made in the world! From the grandest, most complex and refined styles to those that deliver pure enjoyment.

What has been a trip highlight during the 2022 en primeur visit?

Meeting and tasting with Pierre and Louis Trapet of Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin. Sons of Jean-Louis Trapet, they have now been fully involved with the domaine for a few years, implementing some serious viticultural changes (converting vineyards to echalas trellising, promoting canopy management, etc). Discussing these new practices and their vision of moving forward was a joy. Pierre and Louis will certainly make their marks within the top echelons of Bourgogne!

 

 

For further information visit our Burgundy Hub for more information about our producers and 2022 vintage releases.