Chorey-lès-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2023
Chorey-lès-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2023
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
- Organic
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2035
Chorey-lès-Beaune has a reputation for sturdy, spice-tinged reds — plenty of muscle, a touch of earth and that classic woodland berry character.
At Domaine Tollot-Beaut, that natural robustness is still there, but it’s refined. They smooth out the edges, giving the wine a velvety texture and a more polished feel, while keeping the mineral freshness that stops it from ever feeling heavy. There’s generous fruit, but it’s handled with care and precision.
The domaine is based in Chorey itself, which perhaps explains why it flies a little under the radar — and why it continues to offer such strong value. Don’t mistake that low profile for lack of quality. Farming is thoughtful and hands-on: no fertilisers, low yields and hand harvesting throughout. The result is honest, beautifully made Burgundy with real character and integrity.
Currently showing its youthful primary fruit, the wine will integrate beautifully over the next 2-3 years as the tannins soften further. By 2028, secondary earthiness will become more prominent whilst maintaining the fresh cherry character that makes Chorey so appealing. The wine should reach its peak around 2030, when fruit and earth achieve perfect balance. After 2035, whilst still drinking well, the primary fruit may begin to fade, leaving the wine's savoury, mineral qualities more prominent.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with bright clarity and a youthful rim.
NoseFresh red cherries and wild strawberries lead, followed by forest floor and a whisper of spice. There's an appealing earthiness that speaks of the appellation without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateSilky entry with bright red fruit and gentle tannins that have been expertly managed. The mineral backbone provides structure whilst maintaining the wine's approachable character. Clean and precise with lovely purity.
FinishMedium length with lingering cherry fruit and a savoury, earthy conclusion.
Overall impressionRefined Chorey that punches well above its weight.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this style of wine would traditionally accompany coq au vin made with the same wine, showcasing the harmony between local food and drink. Classic pairings include boeuf bourguignon with its rich, wine-braised sauce, or roast chicken with herbs from the local countryside. The wine's earthiness complements wild mushrooms gathered from Burgundian forests, whilst its fresh acidity cuts through the region's creamy sauces. Local charcuterie, particularly jambon persillé with its parsley and wine jelly, makes an ideal match for the wine's balance of fruit and mineral freshness.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 15-16°C to preserve the wine's fresh fruit character whilst allowing its earthy complexity to emerge. No need to decant, though a brief aeration in the glass will help the wine open up. Use Burgundy glasses with a generous bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics. If the wine seems tight on opening, gentle swirling will coax out its full expression.
Chorey-lès-Beaune sits on the plain below the Côte de Beaune slopes, with deeper alluvial soils that contain gravel, clay, and limestone. The flatter terrain and richer soils naturally produce more robust wines than the hillside sites, but Tollot-Beaut's vineyards benefit from good drainage and easterly exposure. The combination of limestone subsoil and surface stones helps retain freshness whilst the clay provides depth and structure, creating wines with both power and elegance.
Chorey-lès-Beaune is often overlooked amongst Burgundy's village appellations, lacking the prestige of its hillside neighbours but offering exceptional value. The appellation covers both red and white wines, though reds dominate, and the regulations allow for generous yields compared to premier cru sites. The village sits on flatter land between Savigny-lès-Beaune and Aloxe-Corton, producing wines with more immediate appeal than many Côte de Beaune reds. Smart producers like Tollot-Beaut have shown that careful viticulture can elevate Chorey beyond its humble reputation.
The 2023 growing season in Burgundy unfolded like a cautionary tale about climate change, then pulled off a last-minute redemption that left everyone rather stunned. After a warm, early spring pushed budbreak ahead of schedule, the vines endured a thoroughly miserable summer of persistent rain and cool temperatures that had growers muttering darkly about rot and dilution. Just when things looked dire, September arrived with glorious sunshine and dry winds that concentrated the fruit and saved the harvest—though not without some frantic sorting in the cellars.
What emerged from this meteorological rollercoaster are wines that wear their vintage on their sleeve: Pinot Noirs with bright, singing acidity and red fruit that feels almost crystalline in its purity, whilst the Chardonnays show remarkable tension and mineral drive. The reds are drinking beautifully now if you fancy immediate pleasure, but we suspect the better villages and premiers crus will reward patience over the next decade. It's not a powerhouse vintage, but there's something genuinely charming about these wines—they remind us why we fell for Burgundy in the first place.
FAQs
What does this Chorey-lès-Beaune taste like?
Fresh red cherries and woodland berries with earthy undertones and silky tannins. It's more refined than typical Chorey, with a velvety texture and mineral freshness.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now through 2035. It's approachable young but will reward patience as the tannins integrate and earthier flavours develop.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Classic Burgundian dishes like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, roast chicken with herbs, wild mushrooms, and local charcuterie. The wine's fresh acidity cuts through creamy sauces.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 15-16°C in Burgundy glasses. No need to decant, though gentle aeration in the glass helps it open up. Swirl gently if the wine seems tight initially.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, it will improve over the next 5-9 years. The fruit will integrate with earthy complexity, peaking around 2030 before the primary fruit begins to fade after 2035.
How does this compare to other Burgundy villages?
Chorey offers exceptional value compared to prestigious neighbours. It's more approachable than many Côte de Beaune reds, with immediate charm whilst maintaining genuine Burgundian character and aging potential.
Explore related wines
-
-
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