Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
Bio 2018
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).
The vineyard is certified organic.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: lean, very calcareous and marly.
Orientation: South/South-East
Surface area under vine: 1.95 ha
Pruning: high vine with Guyot system
Yield: 18 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 40 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 22 September 2018.
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: the grapes are completely de-stemmed but not crushed (they are left whole) and are gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasted 20 days including 4 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 5 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 10 months with no racking using a proportion of 35% 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 bentonite fined and very gently filtered before being bottled using gravity in August 2019.
Number of bottles: 4,744.
Vintage
2018, abundance and excellence
After a winter that was almost too mild, the vintage was notable for two contrasting periods. Spring was sunny and totally devoid of frost, despite some localized episodes of hail, which had major impact on certain plots on the Côte de Nuits, which were hit in June. Then the summer was dry and hot, blocking the ripening process in places. Picking began early, with exceptionally abundant fruit in tip-top condition, offering the potential for some very fine wines.
Ageing potential: from 4 to 7 years.
Tasting notes
Adorned with a dark red color with purple reflections, this wine exudes aromas of small red fruits, enhanced with smoky and mineral notes. On the palate, the attack is on freshness but reveals structuring tannins for a nice length
