Sunday Sips Featuring: Bourgogne Épineuil Dominique Gruhier 2022
There’s something magical about an elegant, lesser-known Burgundy that invites you to slow down, sip mindfully, and linger in conversation or contemplation. For this week’s Sunday Sips, we’re opening a bottle of Bourgogne Épineuil Dominique Gruhier 2022—a wine that whispers of hidden corners of France, mineral-rich soils, and the quiet mastery of an independent vintner.
This Pinot Noir is a gem from the north of Burgundy—just shy of Chablis—and it deserves a little more time in the spotlight. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a picnic on the lawn, or an al fresco dinner with friends, this wine is versatile enough to match the mood while offering something truly expressive in the glass.
Let’s explore the story behind this wine, the tasting experience, and a few inspired food pairings—vegan and otherwise—to round out your Sunday indulgence.
The Winemaker: Dominique Gruhier and the Charm of Épineuil
Dominique Gruhier is part of a wave of small Burgundy winemakers who have carved a niche outside of the famed Côte d’Or. Based in the village of Épineuil, near Tonnerre in northern Burgundy, Gruhier has been crafting thoughtful wines with an organic approach and a strong sense of place.
The region of Épineuil, though less celebrated than its southern neighbors, is a hidden treasure for Pinot Noir lovers. The soils here, rich in Kimmeridgian limestone (the same found in Chablis), bring a distinct minerality and tension to the wines. Gruhier took over the historic Cistercian Abbey of Quincy in 1990 and has transformed the cellar into a place of both tradition and quiet innovation. His winemaking is patient and precise, resulting in wines that are clean, balanced, and soulful.
Tasting Notes: Bourgogne Épineuil Dominique Gruhier 2022
The 2022 vintage offers a beautifully transparent look into what Épineuil does best. It’s an aromatic, mid-weight Pinot Noir with freshness, energy, and elegance.
Color: Light ruby, shimmering with garnet hues—almost translucent, as a classic cool-climate Pinot should be.
Nose: Bright red fruits lead the charge—think crushed strawberries, wild cherries, and redcurrants—followed by hints of dried rose petals, forest floor, and a whisper of spice. There’s a subtle earthy edge that brings a grounding complexity to the bouquet.
Palate: The wine is crisp and nimble, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Red fruit carries through on the palate, with tart cranberry, sour cherry, and raspberry tones supported by a minerally backbone and just a touch of herbal savoriness. There’s an elegance in its restraint—no heavy oak, no extraction—just clarity, structure, and grace.
Finish: Long, clean, and lifted with a savory note that keeps you coming back for another sip.
This is a Pinot Noir that doesn’t demand food—but it absolutely shines with it.
Food Pairing Ideas: Let the Wine Lead
The beauty of this wine lies in its ability to straddle richness and freshness, fruit and earth. Its medium body and high acidity make it incredibly food-friendly, capable of pairing with a range of dishes from the classic to the creative.
Vegan Pairings
1. Wild Mushroom Tart with Caramelized Onions and Thyme
The earthiness of wild mushrooms—especially cremini, shiitake, or chanterelle—echoes the forest-floor notes in the wine. Use a vegan shortcrust base, sauté the mushrooms with shallots and thyme, and layer with caramelized onions for sweetness. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
2. Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad with Herbed Cashew Cheese
Beets bring a natural sweetness and texture that mirror the red fruit tones in the wine. Toss with peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a dollop of herbed cashew cheese. A simple vinaigrette of Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil ties it together beautifully.
3. Grilled Eggplant with Miso Glaze and Sesame Seeds
Smoky, umami-rich eggplant pairs surprisingly well with lighter red wines. The miso glaze brings a savory complexity that highlights the mineral backbone of the Épineuil. Add sesame seeds and scallions for crunch and freshness.
4. Lentil and Root Vegetable Cassoulet
Inspired by French country fare, this vegan cassoulet uses Puy lentils, carrots, parsnips, and turnips in a hearty tomato base. Herbs like bay leaf and thyme round out the flavors, and the wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness.
5. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce
Charred cauliflower brings a nutty, roasted character that complements the earthy qualities of the wine. The Romesco sauce—made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and smoked paprika—adds bold flavor without overpowering the wine.
Non-Vegan Pairings
1. Herb-Crusted Salmon or Arctic Char
The wine’s acidity works well with fatty fish like salmon. A simple herb crust with dill, parsley, and lemon zest brings brightness that matches the wine’s lively profile.
2. Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction
Duck is a classic pairing with Pinot Noir. The red fruit and acid in the wine cut through the richness, while a cherry or cranberry glaze makes a natural bridge between the food and the wine.
3. Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic
Roasted or grilled chicken, particularly the darker cuts, offer enough flavor to stand up to this wine without overpowering its delicacy. A pan sauce made with the wine itself, garlic, and fresh herbs creates harmony on the plate.
4. Charcuterie Board with Soft Cheeses and Berries
For a relaxed Sunday afternoon, create a board with mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, berry preserves, crusty baguette, and cured meats. Add in pickled vegetables or cornichons to bring brightness that matches the wine’s acidity.
Occasions for Bourgogne Épineuil Dominique Gruhier 2022
This wine suits a range of moods and moments, but here are a few perfect pairings of wine + occasion:
Picnic in the Garden: Pack a chilled bottle alongside a beet salad, some olive tapenade, crusty bread, and good conversation.
Cozy Reading Night: Light a candle, open a book, pour a glass, and let the wine speak softly in the background.
Dinner Party Opener: This wine works as a perfect first red—light, welcoming, and versatile.
Romantic Home-Cooked Meal: Set the table, cue the jazz playlist, and let this wine be the thread that connects each course.
Final Thoughts: Why This Bottle Matters
The 2022 Bourgogne Épineuil from Dominique Gruhier is a reminder that some of the most compelling wines don’t come from the most famous vineyards. Instead, they come from people like Gruhier—farmers, craftspeople, and stewards of land who understand that wine is both an agricultural product and a living expression of time and place.
This bottle offers more than taste—it offers texture, temperature, tension. It invites you to pause and pay attention. It doesn’t scream for the spotlight; it simply shines when you do.
So if you’re looking for something to elevate your next Sunday ritual—a thoughtful sip, a beautiful meal, a moment of pause—this wine belongs on your table.
Where to Find It
Dominique Gruhier’s wines, including the 2022 Bourgogne Épineuil, are increasingly available in boutique wine shops and some online retailers focused on small producers and Burgundy imports. Look for it at natural wine bars or retailers with a French-heavy selection, and don’t hesitate to ask your local shop to order it in—they’ll likely thank you for the tip.
Sunday Sips Summary
Wine: Bourgogne Épineuil Dominique Gruhier 2022
Region: Épineuil, Burgundy (France)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Profile: Light-bodied, red fruit-driven, mineral, aromatic
Pairings: Wild mushrooms, root vegetable cassoulet, duck with cherry sauce, beet and walnut salad
Why We Love It: Honest winemaking, organic practices, and elegant expression of a cool-climate Pinot
Cheers to slowing down and sipping intentionally. Happy Sunday.
If you enjoy discovering wines like this one, follow along each week for more pours worth savoring—and pairings to match. Let your glass tell a story.
