Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
Bio 2017
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, though 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. The soil is composed of limestone outcrops that Chardonnay thrives in and that lend character and lovely freshness to the wine. Only 120 hectares are planted with Chardonnay.
The vineyard is certified organic.
Viticulture
Grape variety: chardonnay
Soils: Jurassic limestone plateau
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 1.05ha
Pruning: Vignes hautes with Guyot system
Yield: 30hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 35 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 20 September 2017
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was cooled to 12°C and was transferred directly into 450L barrels without settling of the must in order to keep most of the lees. Very long fermentation period using indigenous yeasts.Vinification without sulfur.
Ageing
Maturation: 18 months without being racked. The lees were not stirred so as to allow all of the wine’s minerality to shine through with a proportion of 30% new French oak barrels.
Barrels: French oak barrels was used; they were toasted for a long time and at a low temperature to impart a subtle, delicate flavour to the wine.
Bottling
Bottling: in April 2018
Number of bottles: 1,680.
Vintage
2017, finesse
The growing cycle was thrown off-kilter by a very cold winter, late spring frost, then optimal conditions for rapid flowering, sporadic hail, and summer drought. Harvesting began in early September in the sun, and after several lean years, the vines finally produced abundant grapes, although with significant differences in maturity between whites and reds and from one region to another, which called for strict sorting.
Ageing potential: from 4 to 6 years.
Tasting notes
With a brilliant straw-yellow color, this wine exudes lemony and floral aromas, but stands out from the mineral nose with a few buttered notes. We find citrus on the palate, an attack on freshness and a very nice length!
