Nuits-Saint-Georges
1er Cru Clos des Argillières 2021
Nuits-Saint-Georges is one of those magical names that visitors recite like a rosary. Known the whole world over, Nuits-Saint-Georges has the original profile of a genuine wine village, but on the scale of a small town.
Origin
Halfway between Dijon and Beaune, and with an easterly exposure, the vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges extend over 6 kilometres, with 140 hectares of Premier Cru vines. The range of soils, exposure and locations here creates a great diversity of terroirs. The area is bisected by the valley of the small Meuzin river, and the village itself.
The premier cru "Les Argillières" is located in Prémeaux-Prissey, at the top of the hill. The slope is particularly steep. The name 'Argillière' comes from an exploitation of clay which was in place of this climate.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: clay-limestone, presence of pebbles.
Orientation: East
Surface area under vine: 0.3191 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 15 hL/ha
Average age of the vines: 77 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 2 September 2021.
The grapes were handpicked. First sorting in the vineyard, second on the sorting table upon receipt of the harvest.
At the winery: 50% of grapes were destemmed but not crushed (they were left whole) and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasted a total of 17 days including 3 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 3 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 13 months with no racking using a proportion of 50% 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: by gravity in December 2022, after lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 597.
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 8 to 10 years.
Awards
Bourgogne Aujourd'hui Magazine - 16/20
Tim Atkin - 93/100
Tasting notes
With its pretty purple hue, this wine gives off intense aromas of whole harvests, red fruit and hints of sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is slightly sweet, with fine tannins and an elegant structure.
