2020 Arbois Poulsard

Full bottle 1,293 g. The vineyards are located in Arbois and in Montigny-lès-Arsures. Aged between 25 and 60 years, grown on marly and sometimes sandy limestone soils. Poulsard is a fairly fragile grape that needs to be harvested within a short window, between underripe and overripe. Vinification is similar to that of Pinot Noir or Trousseau. They destem the entire crop and gently pump-over the juice without punching down. After fermentation, it is aged in a large foudre until bottling. Palish ruby. Intense and highly distinctive aroma that is founded on tart red berries but also has notes of citrus and something a little bit smoky/rubbery (in a good way). A light spice too and wild herbs. This wildness is its real charm. High acidity and a more savoury, almost meaty, flavour on the palate (from the variety not from any kind of fault). Tight, fine, dry and slightly rustic tannins, at least by comparison with those of their 2020 Pinot. Salty, mouth-watering finish. A wine to spend the evening with, like all these Dom du Pélican 2020s. This is definitely not for you if you like rich, plush reds. (JH)