Arbois, Trousseau, Berangers, 2018
A stunning mix of ripe juicy bramble, wild strawberry, pepper spice and sweet rose-hip characteristics reinforced by a finely-etched tannic backbone. Classic, crisp and intense without being austere. Stylish, complex and haunting. Breath-taking. The Domaine are extremely proud to announce that as of vintage 2018, this iconic parcel, previously farmed by Jacques Puffeney (the 'Pope of Arbois'), is now part of Domaine du Pélican. Jacques Puffeney created a Trousseau cuvée called 'Les Bérangères' out of this parcel, which gained worldwide recognition amongst the Trousseau lovers. Domaine du Pélican were honoured that Jacques entrusted them with this holding. Montigny-les-Arsures, the small village where the winery and this Arbois Béranger parcel are located, is the capital of Trousseau, much in the same way as Pupillin is the capital of Poulsard. The soil is made of alluvium and silt over grey marls, stony enough to allow good drainage. This soil composition is particularly appropriate for Trousseau. The vines are over 50 years old. South and South West exposure and fairly low altitude (circa 300-330m) ensure perfect maturation. Elevage is in Burgundian and 350L barrels. No new oak is used.
critic reviews
The new single-vineyard red 2018 Arbois Trousseau Beranger was produced with fruit from a vineyard that used to belong to Jacques Puffeney. It's clean, fruit-driven, has good varietal character and is quite straightforward. The mid-palate lacks a bit of weight.
The 2018 Arbois Beranger (Trousseau) emerges from a tiny 0.5-hectare parcel Guillaume D’Angerville purchased from Jacques Puffeney. Dark and exquisitely layered in the glass, the 2018 presents a dark, intense expression of Trousseau, and yet does so while maintaining the freshness and energy that is so typical of these wines. Black cherry, spice, leather, scorched earth and licorice are some of the many notes that give the 2018 its distinctive personality. As appealing as the wine is today, I would cellar it for a few years to allow the full breadth of its aromatics to develop. The Beranger is offered only in magnum. It won’t be easy to find but it is worth the hunt. What a special wine it is.