Bourgogne-Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits Wine Region

Officially acknowledged in 1961, the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits region is home to an amazing 24 Grand Crus that have become the wine community's best exemplar of Pinot Noir. The region consists of 20 communes, 16 on the Cote d'Or and 4 in the Cotes de Nuits. The steep slope on top of the escarpment is referred to as "Hautes Cotes." These are top-tier Burgundy wines that are characteristic of the area and are difficult to get due to limited production and high prices. Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits mostly produces red wines, with a small percentage of rose and white wines produced under its label. Every wine is certified after undergoing thorough testing that involves analysis and tasting.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits!

Where is the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region?

The territory spans 12 miles from north to south, as far as the woods of Corton, and includes the high escarpment of Cotes de Nuits and Cote d'Or. The region's landscape, which overlooks the Gevrey Chambertin, is breathtaking. The vineyards encompass roughly 765 hectares and produce exceptional grapes that are regarded as the greatest in the world. The region stretches from the west of Cotes de Nuits' Chambolle Musigny to the north of Cote de Beaune. The area lies 28 kilometers south of Dijon, 15 kilometers northeast of Beaune, 30 kilometers northeast of Meursault, and 170 kilometers north of Lyon.

History of the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region

The Romans introduced viticulture to the Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits during their 3rd-century of colonization in Gaul. The Duke of Burgundy encouraged Benedictine and Cistercian monks to carry on the region's winemaking legacy. In the earliest book dedicated to Bourgogne wines, written in 1723, Abbe Claude Arnoux praised the red wine from Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits as "full of fire, uplifting and light, almost all genius." These reds are said to be direct offspring of the 18th century, with little to no change in their traits. After being nearly wiped out by Phylloxera infestation in the 18th century, winemakers were able to reclaim their former splendor in the early 19th century.

The terroir and geography of the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region

Due to its higher altitude, the climate is cooler and is significantly different than its lower neighboring regions. The region is at an altitude of 300-400 meters above sea level with vineyards facing south and southwest that utilizes maximum sun exposures. Geologically, the region sits atop a Jurassic limestone plateau. The soil is a mixture of limestone and marl. 

Popular grape varieties from the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region

Pinot Noir is the primary grape variety grown in the wine region of Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits, accounting for more than 70% of total grape output. The area also yields outstanding Chardonnay, which is used to make white wines. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are utilized as auxiliary grapes in the production of rose and white wines. Red wines, which have robust, pleasant tannins and a simple taste with notes of cherry, licorice, and flowers, make the most of the harvest. White wines feature honeysuckle, apple, lemon, and nut aromas. These chardonnays are strong, well-balanced, and have excellent age potential.

Food to pair with Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew that is commonly made in French cuisine with Burgundy wines. Beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour are common ingredients in the recipe. Before adding the remaining ingredients, the meat is fried in butter or oil. Boeuf bourguignon is frequently accompanied by cooked potatoes or noodles.

The meal is not a traditional Burgundy cuisine; rather, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was originally documented in 1867 and was frequently cooked with leftover meat. At the turn of the twentieth century, the dish was acknowledged as a Burgundian delicacy.

Because of the extended cooking period, the tastes of the meal are deep, nuanced, and hearty. The robust Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine gives the sauce depth.

Coq au vin

Coq au vin is a traditional French meal that has been eaten for generations and is still popular today. The supple and juicy meat, accompanied by a thick and delectable sauce, delighted any appetite at any time of year. It's a red wine-based dish with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and shallots. Traditionally, it is served with cooked potatoes on the side.

Coq au vin may be made with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables and meat, making it adaptable enough to pair with a wide range of wines, particularly Pinot Noir from the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region.

Daube 

Daube is a traditional Provençal stew cooked with lamb or beef, vegetables, and garlic, and seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

Daube is traditionally cooked the night before serving in a daubière, a pitcher-shaped clay pot with a concave cover. To get a deep taste, the meal is boiled over low heat and cooked gently. Some people add water to the cover to slow down the cooking process. Daube is typically prepared with red wines, however, lamb is frequently cooked in white wine.

The meal grew famous throughout the Western world, inspiring the creation of countless versions.

Places to visit in the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits wine region

Clos de Vougeot

Clos de Vougeot is a medieval castle built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Citeaux. The castle flaunts a renaissance style and uninterrupted 51 hectares of vineyards enclosed by medieval walls. Besides being a famous wine producer, the estate is also known for its unique architectural structures. The chateau is one of the very finest Table d’hote of France. The estate served as a major vineyard of the Cistercians for centuries. The current appearance was achieved only in the mid-16th century after rebuilding an old chapel that stood within the walled vineyard. Since 1945, the chateau has been the headquarters of the bacchanalian fraternity of Burgundy wine connoisseurs. Discover this historic vineyard and get to know more about wine, culture, and history. 

Saint-Vivant Abbey of Vergy

The monastery of Vergy, dedicated to the Vendean saint vivant, is supposed to have been erected in the ninth century. The abbey was erected on the ruins of one of the House of Vergy's castles. Until 1087 AD, the abbey was near the Abbey of Saint Benigne in Dijon, and afterward to the Abbey of Cluny. The Ministry of Culture classified the structure as a historical monument in 1992. The Saint-Vivant Monastery of Vergy is claimed to be Burgundy's oldest and wealthiest abbey. During the French Revolution, the monastery was confiscated as a national property. The estate was purchased in the nineteenth century by Felix Maret, who sold it to Saint Pere in 1854. The estate's current look is the result of the extensive refurbishment of the 19th century.

Frequently asked questions about Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits