Albert Sounit Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2022

Albert Sounit Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2022 is a characterful red Burgundy crafted from old-vine Pinot Noir in one of the Côte Chalonnaise’s most respected appellations. It offers the classic finesse and perfume of Burgundy, but with the extra depth, concentration and structure that Mercurey is known for. Sourced from mature vines, this cuvée captures the nuanced expression of its terroir and the freshness of the 2022 vintage. The unique selling point of this wine lies in its “Vieilles Vignes” origins: older Pinot Noir vines naturally give lower yields, resulting in more intensely flavored, refined fruit. What sets it apart is the combination of vibrant red-fruit purity, subtle spice, and a mineral backbone that reflects the clay-limestone soils of Mercurey. Mercurey has a long history as one of the key red wine villages of southern Burgundy, and wines like this have helped cement its reputation for offering serious Burgundy quality with excellent value.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Albert Sounit Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2022 shows a bright, translucent ruby color with garnet nuances at the rim, typical of classic Pinot Noir. The nose opens with lifted aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries, layered with notes of dried rose petals, violets and a hint of underbrush. Subtle tones of sweet spice, such as clove and cinnamon, mingle with a delicate touch of vanilla and lightly toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, silky and precise, with a fine-boned structure and lively acidity that gives it energy and length. Juicy red berry fruit is framed by gentle tannins and savory accents of forest floor, crushed stone and a whisper of cocoa. The finish is long, fresh and elegant, emphasizing purity rather than power. Enjoyable in its youth for its vibrant fruit and charm, this 2022 also has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining more complexity and tertiary nuances with proper cellaring.

Production
This Mercurey Vieilles Vignes is sourced from older Pinot Noir vines rooted in the classic clay-limestone soils of the Mercurey appellation in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise. The terroir, with its mix of marl, limestone and well-drained slopes, naturally limits yields and promotes slow, even ripening, giving grapes with good concentration and aromatic complexity. Harvesting is typically done by hand to allow careful selection of bunches in the vineyard, preserving only healthy, optimally ripe fruit. In the cellar, the grapes are gently destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled vats to preserve freshness and varietal character, with regular punch-downs or pump-overs to extract color and fine tannins. Aging takes place in a combination of French oak barrels (often with a moderate proportion of new oak) and possibly larger vessels, allowing the wine to integrate oak influence without overpowering the delicate Pinot Noir fruit, resulting in a balanced, terroir-driven expression.

Food & Serving
Albert Sounit Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2022 is a versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, duck breast, veal, pork tenderloin, charcuterie and dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles. It is also an excellent match for classic Burgundian cuisine, such as coq au vin or oeufs en meurette, as well as earthy lentil dishes and mild, semi-soft cheeses like Époisses, Reblochon or Tomme. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and silkiness. A short decant of 30 minutes can help the wine open up in its youth, while more developed bottles can simply be served after gentle pouring to avoid disturbing any sediment.

Producer
Maison Albert Sounit is a respected Burgundy house with roots in the Côte Chalonnaise, known for producing wines that faithfully reflect the character of their origin. Over the years, the estate has built a reputation for carefully crafted, terroir-driven bottlings from appellations such as Rully, Montagny and Mercurey, often working with old vines and traditional methods. In its home region, Albert Sounit is valued for offering authentic Burgundian wines that bridge the gap between artisan quality and accessibility, both in style and price. Through attentive vineyard management, selective harvesting and thoughtful use of oak, the domaine has earned recognition among Burgundy enthusiasts looking for wines that deliver genuine regional identity and consistent quality year after year.