Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Geantet-Pansiot 2019

Description

The Domaine Géantet Pansiot in Burgundy is currently run by Vincent Géantet, who is the third generation of vignerons in his family, though the vineyards and even winery buildings have changed with each new generation, as a result of inheritance laws covering a widespread family. His daughter, Emilie, continues the tradition having set up on her own while son, Fabien, has been working alongside his father since the age of 12. Edmond Géantet began domaine bottling in 1955. Vincent joined his father in 1977, taking full charge in 1989.

The vineyards are run according to lutte raisonée, with no herbicides, just one or two anti-disease chemical treatments. The grapes are sorted on three tables de tri, the last of which is done berry by berry, after destemming. The uncrushed berries are cooled to 10°C for 10 days, then warmed to 22°C for fermentation to start. The tanks are punched down once and pumped over once a day, after which the solids are given a light pressing and all the juice is left to settle for a week, so that any last sugar emerging from the pressed skins can finish fermenting. The wines are then matured in barrel for 15 months, with a couple of stirrings but no racking. 30% new wood is used on every cuvée, from Bourgogne Rouge to Charmes-Chambertin.

The Géantets now exploit 12 hectares, much of it with farming contracts. Half of this is village Gevrey Chambertin and a further three and a bit hectares generic Burgundy.

'Stylistically Geantet-Pansiot's wines often come across as very dense, with a dark and concentrated ruby red, often with almost violet reflexes in the glass. After a few years in the bottle, I have often enjoyed their En Champs in particular. Pour into a big Burgundy glass, and allow it to breathe for a moment, and this will reveal layers of cherry and forest berry fruit, and wet earth.' Philglas & Swiggot