Domaine Nicole Lamarche : Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru "Aux Cras" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Cras" 2023 from Domaine Nicole Lamarche

Tasting

Colour
This red wine from France displays an intense ruby hue with garnet highlights in its youth.

Nose
The bouquet opens with beautifully pure red and black fruit, recalling raspberry, blackberry and black cherry. It then gains depth with notes of violet, sweet spices and a subtle mineral touch reminiscent of wet stone.

Palate
Both delicate and fleshy, the palate reveals ripe, rounded tannins. A mineral backbone brings great freshness and vertical tension, balancing the generosity of the fruit, before stretching into a finish that is still somewhat reserved but full of promise.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs beautifully with a truffled veal chop served with a creamy sauce, or with fine roast poultry such as pigeon or guinea fowl. It will also enhance a mushroom risotto or roast duck with a sweet soy sauce.

Serving and cellaring

The Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Cras" 2023 is best served at 16°C and should be decanted in its early years to allow it to breathe. Built to last, this wine has excellent ageing potential and can be enjoyed until around 2038.

The elegance and minerality of a great Nuits-Saint-Georges wine

The estate

The family's winemaking history dates back to the late 18th century, but the estate itself was truly founded in the early 20th century by Henri Lamarche. Located in Vosne-Romanée, in the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Nicole Lamarche now covers around 11 hectares. Run by Nicole Lamarche, who officially gave the estate her name in 2018, the property stands out for its exceptional holdings, including the renowned La Grande Rue monopole. The domaine is recognised for its respectful approach to terroir and its constant pursuit of finesse.

The vineyard

The "Aux Cras" climat lies in the northern part of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, on the border with Vosne-Romanée. The vines thrive on a terroir typical of the area, made up of hard limestone, scree and clay. This soil encourages deep rooting and ensures excellent water regulation, fostering the expression of a strong mineral identity. The estate farms organically here and draws inspiration from biodynamics to preserve the natural balance and biodiversity of the soils.

Vinification and ageing

After a meticulous harvest by hand, the grapes destined for the Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Cras" 2023 are partially destemmed. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, with an emphasis on gentle extraction. The wine is then carefully aged for 16 to 20 months in oak barrels, with a moderate proportion of new oak, to refine its structure while preserving the authenticity of the fruit.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir