2023 Fabien Coche Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy

Fabien Coche Bourgogne Rouge is a wonderful introduction to the style of one of Burgundy’s rising stars. While Fabien Coche is best known for his crystalline whites from Meursault and surrounding villages, his red wines have attracted increasing attention for their purity, finesse, and terroir-driven character. Farming is organic, yields are kept low, and in the cellar he works with gentle extractions, native yeasts, and élevage in fine-grained oak with a modest proportion of new barrels.

The Bourgogne Rouge comes from parcels of Pinot Noir planted on clay-limestone soils in and around Meursault and Volnay. These sites give fruit with both freshness and depth, and the old vines add concentration. It’s crafted in the same careful way as his higher appellation wines, making this an entry point that captures the domaine’s energy and precision without the scarcity or price of the crus.

In the glass, the wine shows bright ruby colour and an expressive nose of red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry and rose petal, with subtle hints of spice and earth. The palate is supple and medium-bodied, balancing juicy red fruits with fine tannins and a mineral finish. It is charming and approachable young, but has the structure to improve over 5–7 years, gaining savoury, forest-floor complexity.

At the table, it’s versatile: perfect with roast chicken and thyme, charcuterie, seared salmon, or mushroom dishes. It also pairs beautifully with cheeses such as Comté, Brie de Meaux, or Tomme.