Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
Bio 2021
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: 1.05 ha
Pruning: Vignes hautes with Guyot system
Yield: 4 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 38 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 4 October 2021.
The grapes were handpicked.
At the winery: the whole bunches of grapes were gently pressed for 2½ hours. The temperature of the must was brought down to 12°C then was immediately transferred to barrels with no settling to preserve a maximum of lees. Long fermentation using indigenous yeasts for added complexity and freshness.
Ageing
Maturation: aged for 11 months with no racking or stirring to bring out all of this wine’s minerality.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time to impart a subtle, delicate touch of oak were used.
Bottling
Bottling: the wine was bentonite fined and very gently filtered before being bottled using gravity in October 2022.
Number of bottles: 570.
Vintage
A complex vintage!
It is both a winegrower and winemaker’s vintage ! 2021 will unfortunately be remembered quantity-wise for a long time by its disastrous frost early april. Direct consequence: this is probably one of the smallest vintages ever in Burgundy . It offers a very nice and subtle representation of each terroir and its expression, with fruity, freshness and great finesse wines.
Ageing potential: from 4 to 7 years.
Awards
Jancis Robinson MW - 16/20
Tasting notes
With a brilliant pale yellow color, this wine reveals aromas of yellow and white fruits, jasmine and toasted bread. On the palate, we discover mineral flavors and fatness in the middle of the mouth.
