Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
Dames Huguettes 2016
Some vineyards have the power to attract by their appearance alone, and it is evident that the Hautes-Côtes fall into this category…
Origin
This appellation is unique as it is considered to be a regional appellation although it is limited to a restricted area. The vineyards run parallel to those of the Côte de Nuits (to the west), but are higher in altitude (between 290 and 450 metres). Over 510 ha are planted with the Pinot Noir grape. The soil resembles that of the Côte de Nuits (limestone and marl).
“Les Dames Huguettes” is without a doubt one of the best terroirs in the Hautes-Côtes as it is located just a few hundred metres from the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: lean, very calcareous and marly.
Orientation: South/South-East
Surface area under vine: 2.4495 ha
Pruning: high and low vine with Guyot system
Yield: 36 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 40 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 4 October 2016.
The grapes were sorted a first time in the vineyard and a second time on the sorting table when they arrived at the winery.
At the winery: 100% whole bunches and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasted a total of 23 days, including one week of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). Infrequent punching of the cap (eight maximum).
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 14 months with no racking using a proportion of 40% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time for very delicate oaking.
Bottling
Bottling: The wine was gently filtered before being bottled in December 2017.
Number of bottles: 12,000.
Vintage
2016 , small is beautiful!
Small volumes, but lovely fruit overall. This is expected to be a great vintage, confirmed by the first tastings in spring. Vintage 2016 offers fine surprises with wines of potentially high quality. White wines have fine fruit aromas, with good body and will be ready to drink while young whereas the red wines are powerful, tender, concentrated and will be ideal for ageing. The harvest was one-third down on average because of the frost that struck the region on 28 April, causing a lot of irreversible damage. This was all the more frustrating as the summer was very hot and sunny, resulting in very dense berries with thick skins, promising concentration and intense wines, but with low yields.
Ageing potential: from 5 to 8 years.
Tasting notes
Adorned with a sustained ruby color, this wine opens with aromas of whole bunches, but also floral notes embellished with notes of red fruits. This fine wine offers a palate with a beautiful tannic structure and freshness.
