Domaine Philippe Germain Beaune 'Beaune to be Wild', Cote de Beaune, France

Domaine Philippe Germain Beaune 'Beaune to be Wild' is an exceptional Pinot Noir from the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. This natural wine, crafted with meticulous care and environmental consciousness, showcases the evolving character of Burgundian reds, balancing bright primary fruit flavors with the potential for earthy, complex maturity.

Product Details:

• ABV: 14%
• Production Attributes:
  • No added sulfites
  • Unfined and unfiltered natural wine
  • Estate bottled
  • Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), emphasizing biodiversity and sustainable practices
• Vinification:
  • Manual harvesting
  • Integral vinification in 500-liter half muids since 2018
  • Pre-fermentation maceration for 5 days, followed by hot maceration up to 32°C for 12 days during fermentation
  • Daily drum rotations throughout fermentation and post-fermentation to enhance extraction
  • Brief stainless steel tank passage to retain only fine lees
• Maturation: Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels (no new wood).
• Additional Info: Contains dissolved CO2 for bottle protection, easily dissipated through energetic decanting.

Sensory Description:

This wine opens with intense aromas of raspberry and cherry, reflecting its primary fruit-forward nature. As it ages, it will develop into a Burgundian classic, with earthy, vegetal notes and nuances of mushrooms, truffle, and farmyard characteristics. On the palate, it is concentrated and complex yet balanced, with a silky texture that evolves beautifully with time.

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine Philippe Germain, based in the village of Nantoux near Meursault, is a family-run estate that has grown to 13 hectares under Philippe’s stewardship. Since 2008, winemaking has been led by Philippe’s nephew, Maxime Champaud. The estate employs agroecological methods, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. Certified HVE, the domaine avoids herbicides and insecticides, using low-impact techniques to honor both tradition and innovation.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 60.8–62.6°F (16–17°C). This wine pairs excellently with tomato-based sauces, game birds, and pork. Its evolving complexity makes it ideal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring. Decant vigorously to release its full potential and achieve a silky, seamless texture.