Winemaker: The Domaine Ravaut is the ultimate local wine source. For over a century the Ravaut family has cultivated a loyal clientele of friends, neighbors, and local workers — our tasting visits are frequently interrupted by neighbors stocking up their cellars. The domaine continues to sell nearly half its wine to folks who walk in their front door.
Appellation: This regional level appellation covers a wide swath of land, but, at least in this case, it’s well named — this wine is unmistakably Côte de Nuits. Dark, briary fruits mix with earth, toast and mushrooms in a profile that couldn’t be from anywhere else.
Wine: Ravaut’s entry level wines are usually lightweight and pretty — but not in 2018. Abundant sunshine and warmth produced a crop of bold, juicy, delicious reds with lots of stuffing and character. It’s dark, sleek, and beautiful with notes of gingerbread, earth, wild cherries, and smoke — all wrapped up in Ravaut’s signature polish.
Pairing: Serve this fruit-forward refreshing red with seared tuna for a terrific (if not perhaps traditional) match. For classicists, go with game or duck and mushrooms.
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Ravaut Côte de Nuits-Villages 2018
bottle price: $36
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES