Agnes Paquet (Meloisey)

Meloisey sits at the top of a hill in the heart of the Hautes Côtes region, made up of largely quiet back streets and the most magnificent medieval church, with an imposing belfry that dominates the skyline. Visiting late in the day, the village was bathed in autumn sun light. I was greeted by Jackpot, a friendly Golden Retriever, shortly followed by Agnès. Ascending to the tasting room it was a delight to taste through Agnès' wines. She began harvest on the 18th September, and put the grapes through a rigorous sorting before vinifying. The resulting wines are of good concentration and intense fruit. A truly traditional vintage.

Most of Agnès vines lie in the Auxey-Duresses appellation, including a plot that has been in her family since the 1950s, and it is here that she is carving a reputation for consistently producing wine of value and quality. Now organically certified, the house style here is to let the wine express itself without too much intervention in the cellar