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Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Richemone

Nuits-Saint-Georges Richemone

Premier Cru

Service

  • Cellaring

    Optimal consumption: 10 to 25 years

    Ageing potential: 35 years

  • Tasting temperature

    16°C (61-62°F)

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Vineyard

Producing communes: Nuits-Saint-Georges and Premeaux.

Site: at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the town of Nuits has its own Hospices, world-renowned vineyards and, of course, ancient traditions.

The Premier Cru Richemone is located in the north part of the Nuits-Saint-Georges vineyard, near the « Damodes », on the side of Vosne-Romanée.

History & tradition: the name « Nuits » may come from « noyer » (walnut tree), a not very frequent tree in this region. As a matter of fact, the hillsides in Burgundy were covered with oak trees at the time the Romans arrived.
The etymology of « Richemone » remains unknown.

Soil: on clay mixed with limestone pebbles, this area produces wines of great finesse.

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Tasting

by Véronique Boss-Drouhin

Bright deep-red ruby colour. The nose offers a myriad of aromas: bilberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and later hints of truffle and fine leather. The palate reveals a silky texture together with a long and powerful aftertaste.

Vintage

In 2012, wines are structured and the tannins are slightly marked. Depending on the localisation, the wines are more heterogeneous and some of them can be drunk whereas others need time. 

Vintage review

Winemaking

Supply: this wine comes from grapes and musts purchased from supply partners according to rigorous specifications.

Harvest: grapes harvested by hands in open-work crates. If necessary, a careful sorting is proceeded.

Vinification: whole crop harvest of 20 to 50% depending on the vintage. In accordance with the terroir and the profile of the vintage, we do 2 to 3 weeks of fermentation and maceration in small open vats, marked by punching of the cap and pumping-over. The yeasts are indigenous (natural). Pressing in a vertical press. Separation of the ends of the presses based on tasting.

Ageing:  in oak barrels including 25% of new barrels.
The ageing lasts between 14 to 18 months.

Origin of the wood: oak grown in French high forest.

Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation. The data obtained is completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.