Chapuis Frères Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge 2023

Chapuis Frères Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge 2023 is an inviting, pure-fruited expression of Gamay from the heart of Burgundy. Crafted for effortless drinking yet with the precision you’d expect from a serious Burgundian producer, it offers bright energy, finesse and charm in the glass. This regional cuvée showcases the Chapuis brothers’ commitment to authentic, terroir-driven wines, celebrating the traditionally lighter, more convivial side of Burgundy.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge shows a vibrant, translucent ruby color with purple highlights that hint at its youthful freshness. The nose is immediately appealing, with aromas of crunchy red cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries, layered with notes of violets, a touch of peppery spice and a subtle, stony undertone. On the palate, this is juicy, supple and lifted, with silky tannins and a mouthwatering, bright acidity that keeps everything lively and refreshing. The red berry fruit is pure and precise, joined by hints of red currant, pomegranate and a faint herbal edge that adds complexity without heaviness. The finish is clean and crisp, making it an excellent candidate for both casual sipping and food-friendly pairings. While primarily made for enjoyment in its youth over the next 2–4 years, it has just enough structure and freshness to evolve gracefully in the short term.

Production
This Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge is sourced from selected Gamay parcels across Burgundy, where the classic mix of limestone and clay soils, along with a temperate continental climate, produces grapes with both ripeness and tension. The fruit is typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of healthy, perfectly ripe bunches, preserving the delicate aromatics that Gamay is known for. In the cellar, Chapuis Frères favor a gentle, low-intervention approach: fermentation in stainless steel or neutral vessels to highlight freshness, moderate extraction to keep tannins fine and supple, and a relatively short maturation to retain the wine’s vibrant, fruit-driven character.

Food & Serving
This wine’s juicy red fruit and bright acidity make it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie, pâtés, roast chicken, grilled sausages, pork chops, simple bistro dishes, mushroom tart, and lighter preparations of lamb or veal. It also works well with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert and semi-hard styles such as Comté. Serve slightly chilled, ideally around 14–16°C, to emphasize its freshness and aromatic lift. Decanting is not essential, but a brief 15–20 minutes in a carafe can help the wine open up its floral and spice notes.

Producer
Chapuis Frères is the project of brothers Romain and Guillaume Chapuis, who have built a reputation as one of the most exciting small-scale producers in Burgundy. Working as a quality-focused micro-négociant, they source grapes from carefully chosen growers and sites, always prioritizing vineyards that are farmed with respect for the environment and express clear terroir character. From their base in Burgundy, the Chapuis brothers craft wines that are precise, vibrant and unadorned, emphasizing purity of fruit and drinkability. Their bottlings, including this Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge, have helped shine a light on the region’s more accessible appellations, offering wine lovers a gateway into Burgundy with authenticity and style.