Fornerol 2010: over-performing Cote de Nuits

Fornerol’s Cote de Nuits Villages Rouge is a favourite among Cuchet&co customers. We sold over 150 cases of the excellent 2019 vintage and the follow-on vintages are just as good. From a modest appellation and a relatively under-the-radar producer, this is a wine for those who care more about contents of the bottle than the label. At just £35.72 per bottle inc VAT, it offers extraordinarily good value.

The wines at Domaine Fornerol can hold their own alongside wines with much grander names. “Complex, perfumed and elegant” is how the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley describes them, going on to say that they “merit a place in any serious Burgundy lover’s cellar”. 

One of the reasons for the quality here is the depth of experience that Didier Fornerol has. He worked as vineyard and cellar manager for Jean de Smet at Domaine de l’Arlot for 10 years, producing some outstanding wines, before returning to the family domaine in Corgolin in 1999.

The 2020 Fornerol Cote de Nuits Villages comes from 3.7 hectares of vines. The blend contains a high percentage of whole clusters to give structure and depth, and it sees around 12 months in barrel. The fruit intensity characteristic of the well-regarded 2020 vintage is very much in evidence here.

This wine is drinking superbly now. Ripe and expressive with plush, silky tannins, it is difficult to resist immediately – although all the elements to develop are there. It comes highly recommended.

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