Domaine Francois Mikulski Monthelie Les Toisieres 2021

Monthélie is one of Burgundy's quietly rewarding appellations — overshadowed by its famous neighbours Volnay and Meursault, yet capable of real elegance at a fraction of the price. Les Toisières carries with it a piece of local history: the parcel sits at the entrance to the village of Monthélie on a south-west facing slope, and was once a quarry where flat stones were extracted for roofing — the name itself a reference to those ancient tiles. The vines are around 40 years old, grown on clay-limestone terroir that produces elegant wines with fine tannins, vinified in vats for approximately 15 days before spending at least 18 months in barrel, with around 20% new oak — a restrained hand that lets the terroir speak. 

In the glass, Les Toisières is a Monthélie of real finesse and precision. The nose is elegant and vertical, strongly marked by minerality and considerable depth — raspberries, sweet cherries, mara des bois strawberries and red carnations, with an aquatic floral quality. On the palate, blackberries and redcurrant give way to mint, verbena and white pepper, finishing with freshness and poise. The attack is supple, with a fine acid framework bringing freshness and balance, the tannins silky, and the finish mineral and floral. This is the red wine at Domaine Mikulski that most rewards those who value refinement over power.