Private Collection - a Decade of Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils
Private Collection - a Decade of Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils
Domaine Michel Mallard et Fils is based in the village of Ladoix yet cultivates 11 hectares of vines spread across the Cote de Beaune in Chorey-les-Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune, Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton, Corton, and Corton-Charlemagne. Michel took over at the family domaine in 2005 and has brought in a dedication to working in a more natural manner with a strong terroir approach. When not working at the family domaine, Michel also makes the wines at Domaine d’Eugénie, the estate formally known as Rene Engel. The wines of Domaine Michel Mallard are precise and expressive. We opened a few bottles in the office recently and were impressed by the purity of fruit and how serious yet approachable the wines are. Something that stood out to me was how food-friendly the bottles were, it was easy to picture sipping some Corton alongside duck breast, boeuf bourguignon, venison, or even a beautifully roasted chicken. In what I will call a rare occurrence, these wines are not just approachable from a drinking standpoint but also from a price perspective. For any last minute shoppers, stop by today and tomorrow to pick up a bottle (or a few) for your holiday table!
Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru This parcel contains excellent southeastern exposure from vines that are 55-65 years old on shallow to heavy clay/sandy soils. As expected, this Corton brings further depth and darker flavor profiles with notes of blackberries and blackcurrant with notes of pepper; the perfect accompaniment to venison, duck, or quail.
Corton Les Maréchaudes Grand Cru This vineyard extends over the eastern side of the hill of Corton with shallow to heavy clay-sand soils. The vines are between 70-75 years old. This wine will age for many years and is fantastic with duck breast, boeuf bourguignon, or even venison.
Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Le Toppe au Vert Toppe au Vert extends over the hill of Corton’s southeastern slope. The vines are between 50-60 years old on shallow to heavy soil with clay texture. The wine has a floral bouquet and touches of red currant and cherries. Perfect to drink alongside braised meats like boar, capon, or duck.
Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Maréchaudes This vineyard extends over the eastern side of the hill of Corton with shallow to heavy clay-sand soils. The vines are between 70-75 years old. This wine will age for many years and is fantastic with duck breast, boeuf bourguignon, or even venison. We opened the 2017 here in the office and the wine had beautiful fruit! Full of ripe raspberry and strawberry without coming off as jammy. The palette showcased that same fruit with a touch of savory notes and some spice.
Ladoix 1er Cru Les Joyeuses located at the heart of the hillside on heavy clay soils. The vines are between 50-55 years old. This is a silky wine with a fruity palette that pairs well with game bird, and cheese such as vacherin and reblochon.
Chorey-les-Beaune Les Beaumonts This vineyard faces southwest overlooking the village of Chorey, with a gentle slope leading towards Savigny and Aloxe-Corton. The vines are between 60-65 years old on heavy soil with clay-limestone. This Chorey has notes of morello cherries, blackberry and will taste beautiful with dishes such as roast beef filets, rabbit in wine sauce or even sausage pizza!
Grand Crus: Reds are aged for 16-18 months in 70% new wood casks.
Premier Crus: aged for 15 months in 40-50% new wood casks.
Village: aged for 12 months in 30% new wood casks.
