Les Petites Mains 2020

The wine's story:

Les Petites Mains is Piollot's still red wine: Champagne Pinot Noir without the bubbles. Such wines carry the Coteaux Champenois appellation and are rare, as most of Champagne's grapes become sparkling wine. The grapes come from the Côme des Tallants parcel in Polisot. According to the back label it is a wine of encounters: 102 people from different countries and languages contributed to it. The wine is dedicated to the memory of grandfather Robert Piollot.

Piollot Père et Fils is a family estate in Polisot in the Côte des Bar, certified organic since 2014 and biodynamic since 2020.

Winemaking:

100% Pinot Noir from the 2020 harvest. The fermentation used 70% destemmed grapes and 30% whole bunches. The grapes are certified organic and grown biodynamically (Demeter). The alcohol is 11%.

Tasting notes:

Norway's wine monopoly Vinmonopolet describes Les Petites Mains (vintage not stated) as ruby red, with blackberry, black cherry and spice on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with clear acidity and noticeable tannins; morello cherry, blackcurrant, black olive and red bell pepper come through. Vinmonopolet considers the release it describes ready to drink now but also suitable for keeping. The French wine merchant Vins et Millésimes highlights the power and finesse of biodynamically grown Pinot Noir.

Food pairing:

Duck breast with redcurrant sauce – the wine's freshness suits the berry acidity of the sauce. Chicken with mushrooms and herbs; a lentil or mushroom dish; roe deer with a delicate sauce; an aged hard cheese.