2018 Claire Naudin "Orchis Mascula"

Produced at Domaine Naudin-Ferrand, this wine is a cult favorite in the "natural" Burgundy scene. Claire Naudin is a visionary winemaker known for her minimal-intervention approach, often eschewing the use of added sulfur and practicing sustainable viticulture to allow the purest expression of the fruit and soil to shine through.

The wine is crafted using whole-cluster fermentation and aged in old oak barrels without fining or filtration. The result is a Pinot Noir that is incredibly "alive"—vibrant, aromatically expressive, and possessing a unique energy that differentiates it from more traditional, industrial Burgundy.

The Highlights

• Vintage: 2018

• Region/Appellation: Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Burgundy, France

• Producer: Claire Naudin (Domaine Naudin-Ferrand)

• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

• Style: Vibrant, ethereal, and "natural" Red Burgundy.

• Tasting Profile: A beautiful, lifted nose of wild strawberries, rose hips, and red currants, layered with savory notes of dried herbs, white pepper, and a subtle flinty minerality. The palate is light-to-medium bodied with a crunchy acid structure and very fine, lacy tannins.

• Perfect for (Food Pairing): * Light Meats: Roasted quail, rabbit with mustard sauce, or a simple roast chicken.

  • Earthy Vegetables: Roasted beet salad with goat cheese or a simple mushroom tart.

  • Charcuterie: High-quality jambon persillé or a light duck terrine.

  • Seafood: Pan-seared salmon or tuna, as the wine's brightness acts like a squeeze of lemon.