Domaine Ragot 2007 Tasting Notes

Givry rouge 2004 & Givry blanc 2004

This year our Option wines come from the 2004 vintage, and although in Burgundy this was an uneven vintage, in Givry they had been spared the storms that afflicted other communes. But winemaking is not luck. Great wine only comes from grapes that have been nurtured, picked and sorted fastidiously and it is no coincidence that a younger Oz Clark made Domaine Ragot one of his stars from this region. Nicolas is the fifth generation Ragot whose attention to detail has made the family widely respected in this part of the Côte Chalonnaise.

Our Givry rouge 2004 is beautifully balanced Burgundy with a nose of cherry and hints of oak, complemented by mellow tannins, gentle acidity and a pleasing length of strawberries on the palate. Supple enough for mild casseroles yet robust enough for steaks roasted on the summer barbecue, this wine will continue to age and develop superb characteristics over the coming 3–5 years.

In our Givry blanc 2004, the natural citrus flavours of the Chardonnay grape have been harnessed by maturing 80% of the blend in stainless steel cuves; these are finely balanced with the vanilla and butter notes which come from ageing the rest of the blend in new oak barrels. The resulting smoothness may be enjoyed on its own or with creamy pleasures like foie gras, scallops or veal in a rich sauce.