Arbois Rouge, “Les Bernardines, Vieilles Vignes”

“Les Bernardines” is a vineyard in Vadans named after the Bernardine order of Cistercian monks who stewarded the land during the Middle Ages, and Joseph owns Ploussard and Pinot Noir vines within its confines. The harvest, comprising around 3/4 Ploussard and 1/4 Pinot Noir, is co-fermented in stainless steel without temperature stabilization, and aged two full years in old Burgundy barrels. Fresh and lithe, “Les Bernardines” leads with Ploussard’s sappy red-cherry fruit, with the Pinot Noir contributing a certain suaveness of texture. The palate sees an extra boost of concentration from the 60+ year old vines, and the wine blends gentle structure with vivacious drinkability in very harmonious fashion.