2013 Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot Bourgogne Passetoutgrain

Region: Burgundy < France
Grapes: 50/50 Pinot Noir, Gamay
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified Biodynamic farming; 65-year old vines; 100% whole cluster, 2-week maceration, then fermented/aged in old oak barrels; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal SO2; 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Yves and Jack Confuron

The Confuron family, vignerons since the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV, are one of the most old-school, hands off producers, with virgin vineyards that have never been treated with synthetic herbicides or pesticides. Since whole cluster is their hallmark, they harvest late to ensure ripe stems. They’re famous for their fancy Premier Cru Burgundy Pinot Noirs, which are deep, earthy and soulful, and need time to open up.  But for those of us who can’t wait, thankfully they make a ‘Passetoutgrain’ (meaning “toss it all in”), an archaic local appellation for field blends of Gamay and Pinot Noir that are harvested and co-fermented together.   Crunchy and rustic, with brambly red fruit and spice, and a long, fresh finish, this is the warm and welcoming red you want for these first cool nights of fall, with some sort of bubbling cauldron of soup.