The Confuron family have been vignerons since the reign of Louis XIV, back in the seventeenth century, when their speciality was vine selection and propagation – they even have a strain of Pinot Noir named after them, the ‘Pinot Confuron’.
Jack Confuron’s marriage to Bernadette Cotetidot in 1964 gave the estate its present name. Jack has continued in charge of the estate ever since, but his son, Yves, has gradually taking over responsibility, assisted by his oenologist brother, Jean-Pierre. The domaine has an impressive portfolio of vineyards with several Grands Crus and the revered Premier Cru of Les Suchots.
the Confuron’s have always taken the greatest care in the vineyards, performing their own massale selection of vines (ie selecting and using the healthiest plants for propagation), which are on average 65 years old. Unusually for Burgundy, their vineyards have never been treated with herbicides or pesticides, and the vine roots penetrate deep into the soils, giving the grapes a minerality that “defines our terroir”. A green harvest in spring limits the number of bunches per vine and therefore ensure optimal ripening for those left on. Harvest proper is then usually later than most.
A traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir (in this case a 50/50 blend), that is designed to provide and early drinking wine while the vin de garde settle, Confuron-Contetidot’s version shows more structure and depth than most others, yet still sings with cherry and raspberry fruit. Drink this with pate de Campagne, roasted wild mushrooms, or rich beef based soups. Drink now – 2011.
