Bourgogne Côte d'Or blanc, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2020
Bourgogne Côte d'Or blanc, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2020
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- White Still
- Chardonnay
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: Now - 2032
This is a superb Bourgogne Blanc from Domaine Tollot-Beaut, full of the charm and generosity of the 2020 vintage.
The fruit is front and centre, with lots of citrus and orchard fruit, whilst the palate is impeccably balanced, with a fine vein of acidity and a welcome florality. Excellent.
This 2020 is drinking beautifully now, showing the primary fruit character that made the vintage so appealing. Over the next 2-3 years, the citrus freshness will integrate further with the subtle oak, developing more honeyed and nutty complexity. The wine should reach its peak around 2028-2030, when secondary flavours will add depth whilst retaining freshness. Beyond 2032, the fruit will begin to fade, though the wine's good acidity structure suggests it could remain pleasant for several more years.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright golden yellow with green highlights, crystal clear with good intensity.
NoseFresh citrus zest mingles with white peach and crisp green apple. There's a lovely floral lift of acacia blossom and a subtle hint of buttered brioche from careful oak integration. The aromatics are clean and inviting, showing the generous character of the 2020 vintage.
PalateThe attack is fresh and precise, with lemon and lime leading into ripe orchard fruit flavours. The mid-palate shows excellent balance between fruit richness and mineral tension, with a fine thread of acidity keeping everything focused. There's a gentle creaminess from lees contact that adds texture without overwhelming the wine's natural elegance.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and a subtle mineral echo that speaks to the limestone soils.
Overall impressionA beautifully crafted white Burgundy that captures both the generosity of the vintage and the precision of the Côte d'Or.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this style of Chardonnay would be the natural partner for escargots de Bourgogne, swimming in garlic and parsley butter, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness. Coq à la crème, the regional chicken dish with its creamy sauce, finds perfect harmony with the wine's texture and weight. Fresh goat's cheese from nearby Chaource or aged Comté would also grace the table, along with simple preparations of local river fish like pike or perch, perhaps in a light butter sauce.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 10-12°C to showcase both the fruit character and mineral backbone. No decanting needed for this style of wine. Use a medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered bowl to concentrate the aromatics whilst allowing the wine to breathe. Chill for about 2 hours in the refrigerator or 20 minutes in an ice bucket before serving.
The Côte d'Or vineyards benefit from east and southeast-facing slopes that catch the morning sun and are protected from harsh afternoon heat. The limestone-rich soils with marl and clay provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines. This combination of exposure and geology creates the ideal conditions for Chardonnay, allowing the grapes to ripen fully whilst maintaining the crisp acidity that defines great white Burgundy.
Bourgogne Côte d'Or is a relatively new appellation created in 2017, covering the prestigious hillsides of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. It sits above basic Bourgogne in the hierarchy, representing wines from some of Burgundy's most famous slopes but from parcels that don't qualify for village-level status. The appellation requires stricter yields and higher ripeness levels than standard Bourgogne, resulting in wines with more concentration and character. Think of it as Burgundy's way of acknowledging that location matters, even at the regional level.
We'll be honest: 2020 in Burgundy was a vintage that kept everyone on their toes. A warm, dry spring brought early budbreak, then summer turned properly scorching with temperatures hitting 40°C in August. The saving grace came from perfectly timed August rains that rescued the vines from serious drought stress, followed by ideal September weather that allowed for unhurried picking. Yields were mercifully normal after several years of frost-ravaged harvests, and crucially, the heat never tipped into the jammy territory that can plague warmer vintages here.
What emerged were wines with surprising freshness despite the heat, showing ripe fruit balanced by good acidity and lovely mineral precision. The reds have more immediate charm than the structured 2019s, with silky tannins and generous Pinot Noir character, whilst the whites display beautiful richness without losing that crystalline Burgundian tension we adore. This isn't a legendary vintage like 2005 or 2010, but it's thoroughly delicious and more approachable in youth than many Burgundy vintages. The village wines are drinking beautifully now, Premier Crus are just hitting their stride, and the Grands Crus will reward patience for another five to ten years.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and balanced with citrus and orchard fruit flavours, fine acidity, and a welcome floral character that makes it immediately appealing.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity until around 2032, with peak drinking likely between 2028-2030.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic matches include roast chicken, fish in cream sauce, goat's cheese, or anything with garlic and herbs. The wine's balance makes it very food-friendly.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve chilled at 10-12°C in medium-sized white wine glasses. No need to decant, just open and pour.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, it will reward a few years in the cellar, developing more complexity whilst retaining its essential freshness until the early 2030s.
How does this compare to village-level white Burgundy?
This offers excellent value, with the character and quality you'd expect from the Côte d'Or slopes but at a more accessible price point than village appellations.
Explore related wines
What are you looking for tonight? Tell me the occasion, a grape, a region — or just try a suggestion below.
Your recommendations will appear here.
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs