Beaune 1er Cru

“Clos de la Mousse” 2017

Some wines are tasted. Others are remembered.

In Episode 7 of The Amphora, Aleks and Kasper explore the Beaune 1er Cru “Clos de la Mousse” 2017 by Bouchard Père & Fils—an expressive Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy’s most historic monopole vineyards. This is a wine known not just for its balanced structure and refined character, but for the singular identity of its terroir. Rooted in centuries of tradition and crafted with precision, it's a bottle that invites attention and rewards those who take a closer look.

UNDERSTANDING BURGUNDY

Let’s for a moment of orientation — Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is a historic wine region in eastern France, globally recognised as the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines from this region are defined by their emphasis on terroir, with each designated plot—known as a climat—producing wines that reflect unique variations in soil composition, slope, and microclimate.

Clos de la Mousse is classified as a Premier Cru within the Beaune appellation, one tier below Grand Cru. It holds monopole status, meaning Bouchard Père & Fils owns and manages the entire 3.36-hectare vineyard. This level of singular ownership is uncommon in Burgundy, where vineyards are typically divided among multiple proprietors.

For the full episode click here.

THE VINEYARD WITH THE LITTLE HOUSE

Clos de la Mousse has a documented history dating back to 1220, when it was gifted to the Church by a canon. Centuries and revolutions passed, and in 1872, Bouchard Père & Fils acquired and consolidated the fragmented plots into a single, walled vineyard—an uncommon achievement in Burgundy. Today, the 3.36-hectare monopole remains fully under its ownership, maintained with consistent viticultural oversight and respect for its historical identity.

BENEATH THE VINES

Clos de la Mousse is a monopole vineyard characterised by marl and limestone soils, offering excellent drainage and promoting deep vine rooting. These conditions contribute to the development of concentrated, mineral-driven fruit. Many of the vines are mature, with decades of growth that enhance the vineyard’s expression. Bouchard Père & Fils applies a restrained winemaking approach, focusing on gentle extraction and oak ageing to preserve the purity and complexity of the site. The result is a wine that clearly reflects its terroir, showcasing both structure and finesse.

THE SIP: THE 2017 VINTAGE

The 2017 Beaune 1er Cru “Clos de la Mousse” opens with red cherry, cranberry, and that soft, almost nostalgic aroma of strawberry jam cooling on a windowsill. Secondary aromas include forest floor, mushroom, and hints of tobacco and leather, reflecting the wine’s Burgundian complexity. The palate is structured yet elegant, supported by fine-grained tannins and a fresh acidity that provides lift and length.

During the tasting, Aleks identified notes of ripe cherry, while Kasper noted a distinct strawberry character. These impressions underscore the wine’s layered fruit expression and its ability to reveal different nuances to different palates.

Novél Recommendations:

Pair the Beaune 1er Cru “Clos de la Mousse” 2017 with:

Baby chicken – The wine’s red fruit notes and fine tannins complement the tender, slightly smoky profile of roasted baby chicken. The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit notes balance beautifully with the orange-miso glaze.
Risotto with mushrooms—A perfect match. The wine’s forest floor and mushroom nuances mirror the risotto's earthiness, creating a seamless flavour bridge.
Lamb rack—This Pinot Noir's structured yet elegant character supports the lamb's savoury, gamey depth, while the wine’s freshness lifts the herbal butter and charred greens.

A MOMENT TO AGE, A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

Though perfectly drinkable now, the structure hints at a long life ahead. This is a bottle that could easily be revisited in five, ten, or fifteen years.

But this afternoon, it's shared over a fun conversation between the two friends. Because wine, at its best, is never just about what’s in the glass. It’s about the table. The people. The mood. The memory.

UNTIL THE NEXT POUR

With every episode of The Amphora, we uncover not just wines, but windows into traditions and craftsmanship. The Beaune 1er Cru “Clos de la Mousse” 2017 is one such window. A Burgundy of uncommon grace, a vineyard with centuries underfoot, and a reminder that some walls, like the one that surrounds this vineyard, don’t keep things out—they keep the soul in.

Until next time, may your glass be half full and your stories always unfold.

HAVE A SIP