Joseph Drouhin LaForet Pinot Noir

Joseph Drouhin LaForet Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. What distinguishes this Bourgogne-level red is the sourcing strategy behind it: grapes are selected from parcels situated high on the slopes, close to the forest — giving the wine its name, "LaForêt." The blend draws Pinot Noir from the Côte Chalonnaise for elegance and from the northern Côte de Nuits for depth, a combination that delivers more complexity than many wines at this tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Burgundy, France  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Maison Joseph Drouhin

Production & Heritage

Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, the historic heart of Burgundy. Now in its fourth generation, the house is one of the region's most respected négociants, farming and sourcing across major Burgundian appellations. LaForet undergoes maceration and vinification over two to three weeks using indigenous yeasts, with fermentation temperatures under precise control. This approach preserves the bright varietal character of Pinot Noir while allowing measured extraction of color and tannin. The practice of selecting high-altitude vineyard parcels near forested areas contributes cooler microclimates, which tend to preserve natural acidity and aromatic finesse in the grapes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red fruit — raspberry, red currants, and wild strawberry lead the way. A characteristic hint of tomato skin adds an earthy Pinot Noir signature beneath the fruit, lending subtle complexity.

Taste: On entry, the wine is immediately fruity and refreshing. Mid-palate reveals lively ripe fruit with a mineral undercurrent, while a thread of subtle spice emerges. Light but perceptible tannins provide just enough structure without weight, and the overall impression is one of elegance and balance rather than concentration.

Finish: The finish is longer than expected at this level, with tart raspberry and blueberry notes lingering alongside fresh acidity. A clean, slightly mineral close invites the next sip.

How to Drink LaForet Pinot Noir

Serve slightly cool, around 55–60°F (13–16°C), to highlight the wine's fresh fruit and acidity. It drinks well on its own and does not require decanting. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, consider a Kir — adding a dash of crème de cassis to a glass plays off the existing red currant character. A Pinot Noir Sangria with fresh berries and citrus amplifies the wine's fruity profile into a crowd-friendly punch. A simple Burgundy Spritzer — LaForet over ice with a splash of sparkling water — makes a refreshing warm-weather pour.

Best For

• Introducing someone to authentic Burgundy Pinot Noir without a steep price barrier
• Weeknight dinners where a versatile, food-friendly red is needed
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates old-world French producers
• Building a tasting flight alongside village-level and Premier Cru Burgundies to explore the regional hierarchy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does LaForet Pinot Noir taste like? LaForet Pinot Noir delivers bright raspberry, red currant, and wild strawberry flavors with light tannins, fresh acidity, and a subtle mineral undertone. The overall profile is fruit-forward yet elegant, characteristic of well-made Bourgogne-level Pinot Noir.

How does LaForet Pinot Noir compare to Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir? Both are entry-level Burgundy reds from established négociant houses, made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced across the region. LaForet's specific sourcing from high-altitude, forest-adjacent parcels and its blend of Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Nuits fruit gives it a distinctive profile that emphasizes freshness and elegance alongside quiet depth.

Is LaForet Pinot Noir good for sipping neat? Yes — its balanced acidity, light tannins, and expressive fruit make it an enjoyable standalone glass, particularly when served slightly below room temperature to preserve aromatic detail.

Where is LaForet Pinot Noir made? LaForet Pinot Noir is produced by Maison Joseph Drouhin, headquartered in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, France. The grapes are sourced from select parcels in the Côte Chalonnaise and the northern Côte de Nuits.

What foods pair well with LaForet Pinot Noir? Roast chicken or duck breast pairs naturally, as the wine's acidity cuts through richness. Grilled salmon benefits from the light tannins and red fruit character. Mushroom risotto echoes the wine's earthy undertones. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and aged cheeses complement its savory hints. Dishes with tomato-based sauces align well with the wine's characteristic acidity.

What sizes does LaForet Pinot Noir come in? Joseph Drouhin LaForet Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is LaForet Pinot Noir worth the price? LaForet positions as an entry-level expression within the Burgundy hierarchy, offering genuine regional character — indigenous yeast fermentation, multi-subregion blending, and a respected family-owned pedigree — at a price accessible for everyday drinking rather than special occasions.

Why LaForet Pinot Noir?

The defining differentiator here is provenance with purpose. Rather than simply labeling a generic Bourgogne rouge, Drouhin specifically selects high-altitude parcels near forested zones, where cooler temperatures preserve the natural acidity and aromatic precision of Pinot Noir. The deliberate blending of Côte Chalonnaise fruit for finesse with Côte de Nuits fruit for structure gives this wine a layered quality uncommon at the Bourgogne appellation level. Backed by over 140 years of Burgundian winemaking heritage and produced with indigenous yeasts under controlled fermentation, LaForet represents a credible gateway into one of the world's most revered wine regions.