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The cultivation of vines in the current Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits vineyard dates back to Antiquity, more precisely to the Gallo-Roman period. These first plantations, intended for local and regional consumption, laid the foundations for a lasting winemaking tradition in this area.
In the Middle Ages, the abbeys and religious communities structured and developed the local vineyards, refining the choice of plots and cultivation practices. However, the Hautes-Côtes remained on the fringes of major trade routes, which explains their later recognition compared to the prestigious villages located along the Route des Grands Crus (Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, etc.).
In the 20th century, after the recognition of the AOCs of the major villages of the Côte de Nuits in the 1930s, the vineyards located at higher altitudes, to the west of Nuits-Saint-Georges, remained little known, despite an old winemaking tradition. These areas, long dedicated to local production, indeed suffered from a lack of recognition and a strong heterogeneity of quality.
Nevertheless, from the 1950s onwards, several winegrowers undertook in-depth work to have the potential of these terroirs recognized. The improvement of cultivation practices, yield control, and better plot selection gradually made it possible to demonstrate the ability of the Hautes-Côtes to produce balanced and distinctive red and white wines. This collective effort resulted in 1961 in the official recognition of the Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, thereby establishing a precise framework: a defined geographical area, authorized grape varieties, and production rules adapted to cooler climatic conditions.
The creation of the AOC marks a decisive turning point for the vineyard. It not only protects the name Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits, but also encourages a progressive increase in quality. Since this recognition, the appellation has continued to evolve, now establishing itself as a credible and high-quality alternative, renowned for its freshness, balance, and excellent value for money.
The Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits vineyard extends mainly between 300 and 400 meters in altitude, a location that profoundly shapes the style of the wines from this appellation. The vines are mostly planted on clay-limestone soils, complemented in some areas by marl and more stony zones. This mosaic of terroirs plays an essential role in the diversity of expressions, allowing for the production of both red wines and white wines, each marked by its own identity and a beautiful freshness.
The Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits for red wines, thrives particularly well in these conditions. The altitude and the nature of the soils promote a gradual ripening of the grapes, resulting in cuvées with a fine structure, measured tannins, and precise aromatic expression. The wines are distinguished by their elegance, their balance, and a beautiful fruity intensity, often focused on fresh red fruits, without ever losing finesse.
The white wines of the Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits are mainly made from Chardonnay, the overwhelmingly dominant grape variety for whites in Burgundy, to which Aligoté may be added more confidentially. On these high-altitude terroirs, Chardonnay develops tense and luminous profiles, with beautiful natural acidity, aromas of citrus, white-fleshed fruits, and sometimes flowers. Aligoté, for its part, produces lively and straightforward wines, very refreshing, which enhance the diversity of styles offered by the appellation.
Finally, the climate of the Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits is decidedly continental, with cold winters and moderately warm summers. The altitude, higher than that of the neighboring Côte-de-Nuits, results in overall cooler temperatures and marked temperature variations between day and night. These conditions slow down the ripening of the grapes, preserve a high natural acidity and contribute to the tension and liveliness of the wines produced, key elements of their balance and tasting potential.
At La Cave Éclairée, we pay particular attention to the selection of each wine in order to offer cuvées that are true to the identity of each region and appellation. Among our choices, the Domaine Thevenot-Le Brun. Rooted in the heart of the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, this family-owned property of 30 hectares is an excellent example of the quality of red and white wines produced here, perfectly reflecting the local terroir as well as the typical character of Hautes-Côtes wines.
We select each wine with great care, paying special attention to the quality-price ratio in order to offer attractive cuvées for all tastes and budgets.This approach allows us to offer wines without compromising on quality. We complement this selection with a fast and careful delivery service, to your home or to a pick-up point, ensuring secure and optimal receipt of your bottles, ready to be enjoyed or gifted. So, what are you waiting for to make your choice ?!
