Côte de Nuits

The Côte de Nuits is the absolute heart of red Burgundy and is considered the global benchmark for top-quality Pinot Noir . This northern half of the Côte d'Or is known for wines with structure, depth, and exceptional aging potential. It is here that some of the world's most sought-after and long-lasting red wines are made, combining terroir, precision, and tradition.

What is the Côte de Nuits?

The Côte de Nuits is a wine region in Burgundy that focuses almost entirely on red Pinot Noir wine. Unlike the Côte de Beaune , where white wine plays a prominent role, the focus here is on power, concentration, and aging. The region boasts an unparalleled concentration of Grand Cru vineyards and is internationally recognized as the benchmark for great Pinot Noir.

What is the Côte de Nuits known for? Powerful, complex, and exceptionally long-lasting, world-class Pinot Noir.

Location and history

The Côte de Nuits lies north of the Côte de Beaune and runs from Marsannay in the north to Corgoloin in the south. Wine was already being grown here in Roman times, but the region gained fame in the Middle Ages thanks to monasteries and noble estates. They laid the foundation for the famous climatic system, in which each plot developed its own distinct identity.

Over the centuries, the reputation of the Côte de Nuits has grown to become the highest level in red Burgundy. The provenance of each vineyard still plays a more significant role than the name of the producer.

Vineyards and terroir

The terroir of the Côte de Nuits is ideally suited for structured Pinot Noir. The vineyards are situated on east- and southeast-facing slopes, with a thin topsoil over hard limestone. These soils restrict vine growth, which creates concentration and depth in the wine.

The climate is relatively cool, with ample sunshine during the day and cool nights. This allows the grapes to retain their freshness while still ripening fully. This combination explains the tension, structure, and longevity of the wines.

Villages and appellations

The Côte de Nuits is made up of a series of villages, each with its own distinct interpretation of Pinot Noir. Together, they form a chain of top appellations.

Some important villages are:

• Gevrey-Chambertin , known for strength and structure
• Morey-Saint-Denis, often a balance between power and finesse
• Chambolle-Musigny, elegant and refined
• Vosne-Romanée, complex and silky
• Nuits-Saint-Georges, robust and spicy

In addition, Marsannay and Fixin deliver excellent wines at a more attractive price, but with a clear Côte de Nuits signature.

Grand Cru vineyards

The Côte de Nuits boasts the largest number of Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. These parcels are among the most iconic wine names in the world and guarantee maximum complexity and aging potential.

Well-known examples include Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Musigny, Bonnes-Mares, Romanée-Conti, and La Tâche. Wines from these vineyards can age for decades, gaining nuance and depth as they do so.

Grape and style

Red wine from the Côte de Nuits is made almost exclusively from Pinot Noir. The style varies by village and vineyard, but is characterized by structure, concentration, and precision. Compared to more elegant Pinot Noir styles from Volnay, for example, the wines here are generally more powerful and more focused on long aging.

Typical style characteristics include a medium to full body, refined yet present tannins, and a long, layered finish. White wine plays a very limited role in the region.

Vinification and philosophy

Winemakers in the Côte de Nuits region work strongly plot-based. Vinification is aimed at expressing the vineyard's character as purely as possible. Oak aging is carefully applied, usually with French oak, but rarely dominant.

The emphasis is on a balance between power and finesse, allowing the wine time to develop. Vintage and origin are the guiding principles, not technique.

Storage and serving

Wines from the Côte de Nuits are known for their longevity. Village and Premier Cru wines typically age for 10 to 20 years, while Grand Crus can easily age for 30 to 40 years or longer.

The ideal serving temperature for red wine is around 15–17 degrees Celsius. Young wines benefit from aeration, while more mature bottles should be poured carefully.

Buy Côte de Nuits wine at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find wines from the Côte de Nuits for lovers of grand red Burgundies with structure, depth, and aging potential. This region represents the highest level of Pinot Noir, offering wines that impress both now and continue to surprise in the long term.