Nuits-Saint-Georges
Named after the Côtes-de-Nuits region and the town’s patron saint, Saint Georges, this appellation grows primarily Pinot Noirs.
When applying to become an appellation, the mayor at the time, Henri Gouges, didn’t want to single out any of the many high-quality premier cru vineyards for special status. All the vineyards were excellent!
For this reason, Nuits-Saint-Georges has no grand cru, only premier crus — and a number of additional lieux-dits with Village status, including Les Charmois.
The appellation is split by the town in the middle, producing milder or more powerful wines depending on whether the vineyard is north or south of the town.
Regardless of power, the appellation’s red wines tend to be chewy with a well-built structure that is long in the mouth. They are generally best aged at least 5 years.
White wines from Nuits-Saint-Georges are very rare. They tend to be firm and heady, tasting of brioche and sometimes honey.
| Planted Grapes | Pinot Noir (98%), Chardonnay (2%) |
| Production Area | Red: 739 acres, including 350 Premier Cru |
| White: 18 acres, including 10 Premier Cru | |
| Soil | Clay limestone, rocks |
| Wine Flavor | Red: Chewy, well-built. Cherry, blackcurrant, leather, truffle overtones with notes of prune. |
| White: Firm and heady. Brioche and sometimes honey. | |
| Age | 5-20 years |
| Best Vintages | 2011, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999 |
| Food Pairings | Red: Full-flavored and virile meat (roast lamb, rib steak, etc). Also carp in red-wine sauce. |
| White: Grilled fish. |
