Domaine Kuheiji Aloxe-Corton 2022

Terroir

The vineyards of Aloxe-Corton sit at the foot of the iconic Hill of Corton, a location legendary for producing wines with remarkable power and longevity. The soil here is a complex mix of flinty clay and limestone, often tinged with reddish hues from the iron content. At Domaine Kuheiji, this terroir is treated with meticulous care to ensure the wine reflects its noble origin, yielding a Pinot Noir that is dense, structured, and deeply rooted in the mineral-rich earth of the Côte de Beaune.

Producer

Domaine Kuheiji represents a unique bridge between two worlds: the ancient Sake traditions of Japan and the historic terroirs of Burgundy. Founded by Kuheiji Kono, the estate operates with a philosophy of "cultivating the self by cultivating the vine." This results in a production style defined by extreme precision and a quiet, artisanal touch. The team lives year-round in the heart of the vines, ensuring that their Japanese heritage of craftsmanship, focusing on purity and harmony, is infused into every bottle they produce.

Wine

The Aloxe-Corton 2022 is a wine of great presence and poise. It greets you with intense aromas of ripe raspberries, blackcurrants, and a touch of peony, underpinned by a distinctive earthy minerality. On the palate, it is robust and full-bodied, yet it retains the signature Kuheiji silkiness. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, leading to a long, concentrated finish that hints at spice and dark cocoa. It is a sophisticated expression of Pinot Noir that commands attention.

Vintage

The 2022 vintage was a standout year for Burgundy, characterized by a warm, luminous summer that allowed for optimal grape maturity. For the Aloxe-Corton, this weather translated into a wine with excellent density and a "sun-kissed" fruit profile. Despite the warmth of the season, the wine maintains a beautiful limestone-driven tension, making it a vintage that offers both immediate pleasure and significant potential for aging.

Pairing

This powerful Pinot Noir is the perfect partner for rich, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb shanks, venison with a red berry reduction, or an earthy truffle-infused pasta. For a unique pairing, consider aged hard cheeses like Comté or even a grilled Wagyu steak, which complements the wine’s muscular structure and elegant fruit.

Serving

Serve at 15 to 17°C. Because of its natural power and youth, we recommend decanting this wine for at least 45 minutes before serving. Use a large Burgundy glass to allow the complex aromas of the Hill of Corton to fully expand and soften.