The 2021 Ournac Frères Pinot Noir Mélasse 1ère Qualité is a distinctive red wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, produced by Domaine Coudoulet in Cesseras. This cuvée, crafted by the Ournac family, pays homage to their ancestors’ wine trade with a playful nod to historical winemaking scandals involving “mélasse” (molasses). Made from 100% Pinot Noir, it employs Burgundian techniques, including hand-harvested grapes, whole-cluster fermentation, and foot-treading for gentle extraction. The wine is fermented with native yeasts in small open vats, undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrels, and is aged for 10 months in François Frères oak barrels with minimal sulfites (<20mg/L). It presents a light ruby or garnet color, with a fresh nose of cherries, strawberries, kirsch, spices, and hints of mint and toast. The palate is full yet elegant, with supple tannins, a silky texture, and a complex finish featuring cherry fruit and mentholated freshness. This Pinot Noir stands out for its finesse and uncommon Burgundian style in the warm Languedoc.
Food Pairings
The wine’s balanced acidity, smooth tannins, and fruit-forward profile make it versatile for pairing:
- Meats: Roasted or grilled poultry (chicken, duck), beef dishes (steak, beef bourguignon), or veal (blanquette de veau).
- Pasta: Dishes with red sauce (arrabiata) or creamy mushroom sauces.
- Seafood: Grilled salmon or tuna with herb crust.
- Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto, ratatouille, or roasted vegetable tarts.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie or semi-hard varieties like Comté.
Its fresh and spicy notes also complement lightly spiced dishes, such as Moroccan tagines or herbed Mediterranean cuisine.
Critics’ Reviews
Specific reviews for the 2021 vintage are limited, but the Ournac Frères Pinot Noir Mélasse has earned accolades across vintages, providing context:
- Decanter: The 2022 vintage scored 88 points, and the 2020 vintage received a Silver Medal with 91 points, suggesting consistent quality.
- Guide Hachette 2022: The 2020 vintage earned 1 star (very successful), noted for its mature fruit and supple tannins.
- Elle à Table: The 2020 vintage won a Gold Medal, highlighting its appeal and complexity.
- Tasting notes for the 2021 vintage describe it as “a fine wine with surprising complexity,” with “fresh aromas of spices, strawberry, and kirsch” and a “full mouth with cherry fruit and a fresh finish” (Domaine Coudoulet). Given the vintage’s quality, critics likely praised its elegance and balance, aligning with the winery’s reputation for crafting refined Pinot Noir.
Drink Window
The 2021 Ournac Frères Pinot Noir is approachable now but has aging potential due to its structure and oak integration. Based on similar vintages (e.g., 2020 recommended for 2022–2024), the drink window is approximately 2022–2026 for vibrant fruit and freshness. With proper storage (cool, dark, stable conditions), it may evolve through 2027–2028, developing earthier, more savory notes as the fruit softens.
