Welcome to Nuits-Saint-Georges, the pearl of Burgundy that resonates in the hearts of lovers of exceptional red wines. Located north of Beaune, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the appellation truly embodies the global excellence of Pinot Noir.
Ready to learn more about the historical roots, the wines, and the “Premier Cru” classified climates of the AOC? Follow us for a delicious and informative discovery!
Summary
History of the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
The history of Nuits-Saint-Georges begins in Roman times. As early as the 1st century, Burgundy saw its hillsides colonized by vines because the Romans, passionate about wine, quickly understood the winegrowing potential of the clay-limestone soils of the Côte de Nuits and the rest of the region.
During the Middle Ages, winegrowing Burgundy continued to gain prestige, notably under the influence of monks such as those from the Abbey of Cîteaux founded in 1098. These men of faith, true visionaries, gradually perfected viticultural techniques and identified the lands most suitable for vines.
Then, in 1395, Philip the Bold, then Duke of Burgundy, signed a historic edict: he banned the grape variety Gamay to favor exclusively the Pinot Noir, defining the latter as more noble and better suited to Burgundy’s terroirs. This marked the beginning of the absolute reign of the variety over Burgundy’s red wines.
From the 16th century onwards, the wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges became established at the tables of nobles and kings. The vineyard’s reputation even crossed the borders of the Kingdom of France, and merchants exported the region’s wines to many European courts.
The end of the 19th century marked a turning point for Nuits-Saint-Georges. Phylloxera, a devastating insect imported from the United States, destroyed a large part of the vineyards in France and Europe. Burgundy was not spared, and winegrowers gradually replanted vines on American rootstocks resistant to the insect in order to save their heritage.
In 1862, the commune of Nuits added "Saint-Georges" to its name, in tribute to the famous "Les Saint-Georges" climate. This gesture definitively reinforced the winegrowing identity of the village.
In 1936, Nuits-Saint-Georges officially obtained the status of Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). This recognition formalized the hard work of generations of winegrowers who shaped the appellation and its wines. Henri Gouges, a visionary winegrower and fervent defender of the wines and terroirs of Nuits-Saint-Georges, played a key role in this process.
Today, Nuits-Saint-Georges continues to shine on an international scale, consolidating its place among the most prestigious names in Burgundy. The vineyard covers a little over 300 hectares, of which nearly 95% are dedicated to red wines.
Philip the Bold: The Duke who shaped the history of Burgundy wines
Soils and climate of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation
Although overall clay-limestone, the terroir of Nuits-Saint-Georges offers a mosaic of diverse soils.
To the north, towards Vosne-Romanée, the soils are limestone and well-drained, often mixed with marl and clay. To the south, towards the village of Premeaux-Prissey, the soils become more varied, with more marl, limestone scree, and sometimes deeper clays. This unique geological diversity naturally contributes to the great complexity and aromatic richness of the cuvées produced within the AOC.
In terms of climate, the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation benefits from a temperate influence with a slight continental dominance, ideal for the development of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties. The southeast exposures also promote optimal ripening of the grapes, capturing the best of the sunlight while preserving essential freshness.
These exceptional natural conditions largely explain why the wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges combine power, elegance, and balance with such subtlety.
The wines of the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
Let’s now talk about what excites lovers of fine bottles: the wines of the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC.
As you will have understood, the reds take center stage here, representing 96% of production. These are exclusively made from the Pinot Noir grape variety.
The whites are much rarer and produced from Chardonnay. In very rare cases, the Pinot Blanc grape variety can also be found in a few cuvées.
The reds of Nuits-Saint-Georges: the refined power of Pinot Noir
With its small, compact bunches, resembling a pine cone (hence its name), Pinot Noir produces intense, fine, and characterful wines. But beware... this grape is not easy to grow! It is indeed a real challenge for winegrowers. Sensitive to diseases such as downy mildew, grey rot, or leafhoppers, it requires constant care and meticulous pruning.
And yet, what a reward in the end! The reds of Nuits-Saint-Georges are an excellent example and are often intense, powerful and have a deeply colored robe (for Burgundy). Moderately tannic, the cuvées age beautifully in the cellar and most gain in complexity over the years. On the palate, you’ll find aromas of red and black fruits, sometimes enhanced by notes of undergrowth or spices. Barrel aging is widely practiced here, also influencing the wine’s profile.
However, be aware that it is very complex to define a typical wine profile for the appellation. The climates are indeed very varied and the winemaking styles of the winegrowers are just as diverse, creating a delicious panorama of possibilities.
The whites of Nuits-Saint-Georges: the ample elegance of Chardonnay
Although Nuits-Saint-Georges is mainly appreciated for its red wines, white wine lovers are not left out despite their rarity within the appellation! These are often produced towards the south of the AOC, especially near the village of Premeaux-Prissey, where the marl- and clay-rich soils are well suited to Chardonnay.
The whites of Nuits-Saint-Georges are thus distinguished by their structure and depth: notes of white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear) mingle with floral aromas (hawthorn, acacia). With barrel aging, hints of hazelnut, fresh butter, and vanilla also appear.
The cuvées are generally rich and structured, while expressing beautiful tension. Like the red wines of the AOP, the whites also evolve positively in the cellar.
The Premier Crus of the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
Although Nuits-Saint-Georges is one of the most famous villages of the Côte de Nuits, it is interesting to note that it does not have a Grand Cru, unlike its neighbors Vosne-Romanée, Flagey-Échezeaux, or Morey-Saint-Denis.
Nevertheless, the appellation can boast 41 climates classified Premier Cru, among the most prestigious in Burgundy. Some names truly resonate with lovers of great wines. Here are a few examples of these elite terroirs.
- Les Saints-Georges : The true flagship of the appellation, this climate produces wines of exceptional elegance and depth, often considered worthy of a Grand Cru.
- Les Vaucrains : Powerful and racy, the wines from this Premier Cru climate are built for aging and often offer remarkable evolution after several years.
- Les Cailles : Refined and of great finesse, this Premier Cru seduces with the delicate aromas and silky texture of its cuvées.
- Clos des Porrets-Saint-Georges : This monopole of Domaine Henri Gouges is a benchmark known for its structured and generous reds.
- Clos de la Maréchale : Another monopole, owned by Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, renowned for its elegant, deep, and harmonious wines.
- Aux Perdrix : Almost a monopole of the eponymous estate, this climate offers rich, aromatic red wines with beautiful tannins, allowing them to age very well in the cellar.
In addition to these emblematic Premier Crus, the appellation abounds with gems such as Les Pruliers, Les Perrières, Les Damodes, Aux Murgers, or Aux Thorey, each terroir offering a unique expression of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
What to eat with a wine from the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC?
Are you looking for the perfect dishes to pair with a Nuits-Saint-Georges wine? Let yourself be guided by this selectio indulgentn!
With a Nuits-Saint-Georges red
The red wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges pair magnificently with characterful dishes, able to support their aromatic richness.
Thus, nothing complements these wines better than roast lamb, a prime rib of beef or a duck breast. The melting texture of these meats, both tender and flavorful, harmonizes perfectly with the present but supple tannins of the wine, while the red fruit aromas and spicy nuances are revealed on the palate.
Some hairy game, such as venison or wild boar, are also good partners. Indeed, with age, many Nuits-Saint-Georges reds develop wild aromas that flatter the character of game. The pairing thus created is of great finesse, balancing the power of the wine and the deep flavors of the dishes.
To make the most of these pairings, it is recommended to serve your Nuits-Saint-Georges red wine at a temperature between 14 and 16°C.
The perfect pairing: Nuits-Saint-Georges red and duck breast
With a Nuits-Saint-Georges white
Both racy and opulent, the white wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges pair perfectly with shellfish and fish. Sea bass and sea bream, whose delicate flesh harmonizes with the ample texture and balance of the wine, for example, highlight both the marine flavors and the roundness of the wine.
Grilled or au gratin shellfish, such as lobster and langoustines, also find a great companion in the Chardonnays of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
We recommend serving the white wines of the appellation at a temperature between 11 and 13°C. Ideal for revealing all the complexity of your bottles!
Grilled lobster and Nuits-Saint-Georges: A meeting of flavors
The best wines of the Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
Are you looking for an exceptional Nuits-Saint-Georges? The Domaine Decelle & Fils is a safe bet. Located in Corgoloin, a small village adjoining Nuits-Saint-Georges to the south, the estate is managed by Olivier Decelle, also owner of the famous Mas Amiel in Roussillon, Domaine de Boisseyt (Rhône Valley), and Château Jean Faure in Saint-Émilion.
The wines produced here are fine, balanced, and perfectly reflect the terroirs of Nuits-Saint-Georges as well as neighboring villages such as Chambolle-Musigny or Pommard.
Their Nuits-Saint-Georges thus stands out for its smoothness and concentration. Very charming fruity notes coat the palate and are accompanied by a light oakiness bringing aromatic complexity and structure. A magnificent Pinot Noir that can be enjoyed in its youth but also aged in the cellar for 10 years or more!
You now have all the keys to appreciate the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, a true treasure of Burgundy. All that’s left is to put it into practice! If you are looking for a bottle to enhance your meal, visit our website La Cave Éclairée. Exceptional selection and fast delivery await you. See you soon for more discoveries!
