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Nuits-Saint-Georges is a wine appellation in the Côte d’Or region, at the heart of Burgundy and its 84 appellations. More precisely, the vineyard has its roots in the Côte de Nuits wine-growing sub-region, at the northernmost tip of the Burgundy wine-growing area. This terroir is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest red wines.
Appellation wines are produced exclusively in the adjoining villages of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Premeaux-Prissey, 15 kilometers north of Beaune. The vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges are recognized by the French Appellation Origine Contrôlée label.
The Nuits-Saint-Georges terroir was cultivated by knights
Although traces of vine-growing in Nuits-Saint-Georges date back to antiquity, production was limited to covering local needs. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the region’s vineyards began to develop, thanks to the predominance of Christianity and the determination of neighboring abbeys to create large wine estates. In the 19th century, Nuits-Saint-Georges was not spared by the various vine diseases that attacked the Burgundy vineyards: moth, powdery mildew, downy mildew and phylloxera ravaged the vines and considerably weakened the vineyard.
Nuits-Saint-Georges is also known as the birthplace of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. This world-famous brotherhood, founded in 1934, promotes Burgundy wines and the local traditions associated with them. It meets twice a year and honors certain clos by stamping them with the Tastevin seal. Incoming members are knighted, and the tradition continues to this day. It was thanks to this drive to promote Burgundy’s vineyards that the region’s appellations were created. In 1936, the vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges were awarded the Appellation D’Origine Contrôlée. Today, it boasts 41 Premier Cru climats.
Mythical Nuits-Saint-Georges reds rule the vineyards
The Nuits-Saint-Georges vineyard is located in the southern part of the Côte de Nuits, at the northern end of the Burgundy wine region. It covers 306.84 hectares of vines, 143.11 hectares of which are Premier Cru. Red wines account for 97% of production, exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes. The appellation’s whites (3% of the vineyard) are made from Chardonnay grapes. The estate’s vines face the rising sun or south-east, at altitudes ranging from 224 to 516 metres. The plantations are rooted in the clay-limestone soil typical of the Burgundy region. To the north of the appellation, small pebbles litter the rows of vines, while the lower slopes are more muddy and sandy. The terroir to the south of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation has rocky soil at altitude and earth in the valley.
Nuits-Saint-Georges is a powerful night wine
The wines of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation are exclusively varietal wines, made from Pinot noir for the reds and Chardonnay for the whites. The red wines are renowned for their intense purple color, which reminds the taster of the appellation’s nocturnal name. The wine’s power is evident from the very first scents released by its opening. When young, the wine reveals fruity aromas of red and black fruits such as blackcurrant and strawberry. On aeration, it opens up to more autumnal nuances such as undergrowth, fur and leather. On the palate, the power of the Nuits-Saint-Georges red readily persists, with dense, virile aromas that linger for a long finish and bear witness to the quality of this wine. Nuits-Saint-Georges reds are highly recommended for laying down. It can then be stored for up to 10 years before tasting.
Nuits-Saint-Georges calls for dishes with character
The power of Nuits-Saint-Georges is the perfect accompaniment to strong-tasting meats such as prime rib, roast lamb or game. Its character underlines that of particularly expressive cheeses. It’s a perfect match for washed-rind cheeses such as Soumaintrain, Époisses or Langres. Nuits-Saint-Georges is a wine to be enjoyed at a slightly tempered temperature of 16 degrees.
The climate of Nuits-Saint-Georges with its great vintages
Each year, the region’s climatic conditions vary, giving certain vintages a remarkable exceptionality. For the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, the vintage of the millennium was 1969. The years 1966, 1971 and 1978 have also been awarded the title of vintage of the century. More recently, the 2005 and 2009 vintages are considered exceptional and excellent respectively.
Family-run estates in Nuits-Saint-Georges with a growing reputation
Domaine Michel Gros
The estate, located in the commune of Vosne-Romanée, has been run by the Gros family since 1830. Michel Gros, followed by his son Pierre, are the 6th and 7th generations to perpetuate the family tradition of working the vines. In fact, four other estates with the same roots use the name “Gros” on their bottles in the same Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation. The estate’s 22 hectares are cultivated using sustainable methods, producing generous, fine wines that are passionately bottled on site.
Domaine Des Perdrix
This previously little-known Nuits Saint Georges estate has enjoyed growing renown since its takeover in 1996. The Devillard family, in the wine business for 5 generations, brought modernity and know-how to the revival of this estate. 11.5 of the estate’s 12 hectares are planted with Pinot Noir grapes, used to make a fruity, supple red wine. The Devillards also produce some 100% Chardonnay white wines.
