Labouré-Roi 2022 Princesse Maudite Coteaux Bourguignons – Burgundy, France
A Bright, Fresh & Delicious Expression of Burgundy Gamay
The Labouré-Roi 2022 Princesse Maudite Coteaux Bourguignons is a charming and approachable 100% Gamay from Burgundy, combining juicy red fruit, freshness and supple tannins with the elegance that defines the region.
Made from Gamay grown in the rolling vineyards of the Mâconnais, this is Burgundy without pretense: bright, versatile and immediately enjoyable, yet made with the same attention to terroir and traditional vinification that has defined Maison Labouré-Roi since 1832.
It is an excellent choice for Pinot Noir drinkers looking for something a little fruitier, or Beaujolais lovers interested in exploring Gamay through the broader lens of Burgundy.
Why "Princesse Maudite"?
The name Princesse Maudite — "The Damned Princess" — pays tribute to Marie of Burgundy, daughter of Charles the Bold, the last Valois Duke of Burgundy.
It gives this easy-drinking red a fascinating connection to Burgundy's history while the wine itself represents a decidedly accessible side of the region. Winebow confirms that the cuvée was created specifically as a tribute to Marie de Bourgogne.
Vineyard & Terroir
The Coteaux Bourguignons AOC stretches across Burgundy, from the vineyards around Chablis and Auxerrois in the north through the Côte d'Or and south into the Mâconnais.
For Princesse Maudite, the grapes are sourced from the rounded valleys of the Mâconnais, where vineyards occupy south and southeast-facing slopes between approximately 200 and 400 meters in elevation.
The soils combine clay and marl with traces of granite, providing an excellent environment for Gamay and helping produce a wine that combines ripe fruit with freshness and structure.
The 2022 Vintage
The growing season was marked by contrasting conditions.
Abundant winter rainfall replenished water reserves before a cool February and March delayed budbreak. A warm May encouraged flowering, while June brought heat and thunderstorms. Intense July temperatures created water stress in some vineyards.
Harvest began in early September, with timely evening and nighttime rainfall helping the grapes maintain balance.
Labouré-Roi describes its resulting 2022 wines as generous and well balanced, showing ripe fruit while retaining freshness—an excellent combination for Gamay.
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright, vivid garnet red.
Aromas: An inviting nose dominated by fresh cherry and ripe red fruit, accompanied by subtle floral and spice nuances.
Palate: Round, juicy and immediately appealing, with ripe cherry and red berry flavors carried by lively acidity. The fruit is generous without becoming heavy, and the wine finishes with elegant, soft and supple tannins.
The overall impression is fresh, fruit-driven and wonderfully drinkable—a versatile Burgundy red that doesn't require years in the cellar to show its personality. Labouré-Roi itself recommends enjoying the wine now and during its early years.
Winemaking
The 100% Gamay Noir grapes are vinified using a Burgundy-style approach designed to give the wine structure and elegance while preserving Gamay's natural fruitiness.
The grapes are completely destemmed before undergoing controlled-temperature maceration and fermentation, with regular punching down and pumping over.
Maceration lasts approximately 14 days, with fermentation around 25–28°C. Following pressing, the temperature is lowered and the wine is transferred to stainless-steel tanks to retain freshness and fruit.
The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, softening its natural acidity and contributing to its supple texture.
Wine Details
Producer: Labouré-Roi
Wine: Princesse Maudite
Vintage: 2022
Appellation: Coteaux Bourguignons AOC
Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Mâconnais fruit source
Grape: 100% Gamay Noir
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: Approximately 13%
Soil: Clay and marl with traces of granite
Elevation: 200–400 meters / 656–1,312 feet
Exposure: South and southeast
Fermentation: Concrete and stainless-steel vats
Maceration: Approximately 14 days
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Serving Temperature: 57–59°F / 14–15°C
Cellaring: Best enjoyed young for its freshness and fruit.
Food Pairing
One of the strengths of Princesse Maudite is its versatility at the table.
Serve it slightly cool with charcuterie, prosciutto, pâté, roast chicken, grilled pork, burgers, sausages, beef stew, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, pizza, couscous, Camembert or Brie.
Its combination of juicy fruit, bright acidity and soft tannins also makes it a very good red for casual entertaining or warmer-weather drinking.
About Labouré-Roi
Founded in 1832 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Labouré-Roi is one of Burgundy's historic maisons. For nearly two centuries, the house has developed expertise across Burgundy's diverse appellations, working with vineyards and growers throughout the region.
Based in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, Labouré-Roi focuses on understanding the soils, exposures and individual characteristics of Burgundy's vineyards and matching those characteristics with appropriate vinification and élevage.
Princesse Maudite represents the more accessible side of that Burgundy tradition—a wine made for drinking and enjoying rather than waiting.
Why You'll Love It
If you enjoy Beaujolais, Cru Beaujolais, lighter Burgundy reds or fresh, fruit-driven European wines, Princesse Maudite offers excellent everyday appeal.
It's 100% Gamay, unmistakably Burgundian, refreshingly fruit-driven and exceptionally food-friendly.
Serve it slightly chilled, put out a board of charcuterie and cheese, and let the wine do the rest.
