Presentation
Located in Mercurey, in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, Domaine Tupinier Bautista is an essential reference for the appellation. Its recent history is marked by the passionate trajectory of Emmanuel Bautista, who took over and transformed the estate in 1997. Of Spanish origin, Emmanuel Bautista arrived in Burgundy in the 1980s, with a deep desire to integrate into this exceptional terroir. Coming from a family where the love of wine was omnipresent, he quickly developed a fascination for Pinot Noir and Burgundian rigor. Learning alongside the elders, he acquired a know-how that he combined with a modern and innovative approach, bringing new dynamism to the estate. Today, the vineyard covers 11 hectares, cultivated with almost obsessive precision. The harvest is exclusively manual, with meticulous sorting of the berries from the moment they are picked. In the cellar, the work is done gently: vinifications are carried out by gravity, avoiding any aggressive pumping. Aging takes place in natural cellars dug into the rock, ensuring a slow and harmonious evolution of the wines. The Mercurey reds, aged in French oak barrels, reveal a beautiful density and aromatic power, blending black fruits, spices, and undergrowth notes. The palate is ample, with silky tannins and a persistent finish, offering wines designed for aging. The distinctive feature of the estate lies in Emmanuel Bautista's vision, who has managed to marry Burgundian heritage with his Mediterranean roots to create wines with a strong identity, where the precision of the terroir is combined with a generosity of texture and depth.
Location
This wine comes from a 0.48-hectare vineyard plot, ideally exposed due South.
Terroir
Clay-limestone with layers of marl.
In the vineyard
The vines are cultivated with great attention to detail: sustainable treatments, regular soil aeration, and canopy management. Vineyard practices are adapted to each vintage to promote optimal grape ripening and preserve the natural balance of the terroir.
Harvest
Manual harvest with careful sorting done directly in the vineyard.
Winemaking
100% destemmed. Vatting lasts around 20 days with both cold and warm maceration phases, followed by devatting and gentle pressing.
Ageing
Aged for 13 to 14 months in 228L oak barrels. 35% new oak (including one- and two-year-old barrels), to bring subtle complexity and structure.
Varietal
Pinot Noir : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 70 years old
Serving
13-15°C
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
This Mercurey Premier Cru “Les Vellées” red offers a beautifully balanced expression of intensity and finesse. The nose opens with deep notes of black cherry and ripe plum, lifted by touches of licorice, clove, and a hint of toasty oak. With aeration, more complex aromas emerge: dried leaves, forest floor, and earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is generous and smooth, supported by a fine yet structured tannic backbone. It unfolds with savory, concentrated fruit, retaining freshness and precision throughout. The acidity is well-balanced, giving lift, while the long finish leaves impressions of smoky minerality and candied red fruit. A wine of true character approachable now, but capable of ageing gracefully.
Food pairings
Thanks to its elegant structure and complex aromas, this Premier Cru red pairs beautifully with:
Stuffed quail with dried fruits and herbs in a reduced jus: a subtle balance between aromatic richness and the wine’s finesse.
Roast pork tenderloin with honey and rosemary, served with roasted vegetables.
Tian of confit vegetables with olive oil and thyme: a warm, rustic match.
Homemade lasagna Bolognese, rich and melting: the wine lends structure and brightness.
For a more refined touch: roast pigeon with celery purée and rich jus, echoing the wine’s earthy depth.