Bruno Lorenzon 'Les Vignes d'Orge' 2023 Mercurey Rouge

750ml bottle

14.5% abv

Intense and energetic, coming out of the glass with crushed red and blue wild berries, pressed violets, dark chocolate, fresh earth, wet clay, and red pepper. The wine bursts with tension and power. Excellent fruit and texture with an enticingly bitter, lingering finish. Outstanding.

2023 is already a hammer of a year, almost even more powerful than 2022 in Mercurey. Endless power. For Bruno, it is a hypothetical blend of 2018 and 2019. We have this massive structure like 2018 or also 2005, plus a fresh, crisp fruit like 2017 or 2019. That's an appealing mix if you're into power-Pinot. Fermented with about 50 percent whole clusters and aged in about 15 percent new wood.

The vines are in dense planting of up to 14,000 vines per hectare. Highly concentrated, yet without the tiniest trace of fat. To understand Bruno's red wines, you have to put yourself into the philosophy of a white wine winemaker, because Bruno vinifies en rouge with the same vision as he presses white wines. He wants to achieve the maximum precision, the grip, the slenderness, the drinkability, and the, in a way, supple texture of a white wine. That is astonishing, because at the same time he uses an enormous amount of grape skins and achieves high degrees of ripeness through his extremely low yields. But he knows exactly what he is doing and in the end he achieves his goal in a way that may seem absurd to some. 

Yet it works, just as it does for Roberto Voerzio in Barolo and Francois Mitjavile at Tertre Roteboeuf. The wine sees practically no new wood; over 60 percent whole cluster fermentation speaks its own language. All Pinot Noirs get a 3 to 4-week cold maceration before spontaneous fermentation. After pressing, it goes relatively clean into barriques of predominantly second fill after sedimentation; sometimes there is no new wood at all. The barriques are made by a friendly cooperage from specially selected and stored wood.
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In the heart of Burgundy, amidst the rolling hills of Mercurey and Montagny, lies Domaine Bruno Lorenzon, a testament to meticulous winemaking and unwavering dedication to terroir. The domaine has flourished under Bruno's leadership, blossoming from 4.5 hectares to 10 hectares of prime vineyards. This journey of growth reflects not just ambition, but a deep-seated love for the land and its potential to produce exceptional wines.

Bruno embodies the spirit of the domaine; he meticulously cultivates his vines, subscribing to the philosophy that "great grapes are 90% of the work". This translates into a rigorous work ethic and a profound understanding of the land. Sustainability is at the core of their practices, with the domaine adhering to organic and biodynamic principles for over three decades. This commitment is evident in the consistently low yields, each grape bursting with concentrated flavors, a true reflection of the unique terroir. Innovation and tradition intertwine seamlessly in the vineyards. Bruno employs high-density planting to maximize sun exposure and promote vine health.
Tall vine training further optimizes photosynthesis, while light plowing and aeration ensure optimal soil conditions. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the harvest, with each grape hand-picked in small boxes to preserve their pristine quality.

The magic continues in the cellar, where Bruno's approach skillfully blends contemporary techniques with time-honored traditions. Whole-bunch pressing for Chardonnay extracts delicate flavors and textures, while partial stem inclusion for Pinot Noir adds complexity and structure. Meticulously selected oak barrels, crafted with Bruno's own discerning touch, impart subtle notes of wood that seamlessly integrate with the fruit. Aging in a combination of new and used oak barrels followed by stainless steel tanks allows the wines to mature gracefully, retaining their purity and elegance.

The result? Domaine Bruno Lorenzon produces wines that are truly captivating.
Pure and elegant, they possess a beautiful finesse that speaks volumes about the meticulous care and dedication poured into every step of the process. Each sip is an expression of the unique terroir, showcasing the subtle nuances of the Mercurey and Montagny appellations. The quality rivals that of some of the most renowned producers in Côte Chalonnaise, a testament to Bruno's unwavering passion and pursuit of excellence.

Domaine Bruno Lorenzon is more than just a winery; it's a story of dedication, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. It's a place where passion translates into exceptional wines, waiting to be discovered and savored by those who appreciate the true essence of Burgundy.