Nuiton-Beaunoy Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2015

Like a big warm hug around the hills of the Côtes d'Or, the Nuiton-Beanoy cooperative sources grapes from all around this Burgundian heartland and draws them closely into its chest, where its expert vintners magically transform it into the wine bottle you now behold on your screen.

Singing with red fruit character, it's a classic expression of the soils and vines that it came from: its juicy fruit profile is thanks to the old vines it grows on and that delicate mineral character is thanks to the ideal limestone soils. From the soil to Nuiton-Beanoy, these grapes are in good hands.

The high slopes of the southern Côtes d'Or are home to the appellation Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Nuiton-Beaunoy is a co-operative established in 1961. The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune was an emerging wine region and in the 1930s it expanded to cover the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits too. The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune was allowed the appellation of Bourgogne but not without hostility from the rest of France; in 1925 the ‘Judgement of Dijon’ ruled that Hautes-Côtes wines were only allowed to use Pinot Noir under the appellation of Bourgogne, even though they were primarily planted with Gamay.

In the 1960s the Côtes d'Or were growing vines in low density, the vines are situated at an altitude of between 150 and 300 metres. The terrain is packed with clay, limestone and sandy soils. All of these qualities are perfect for growing Pinot Noir grapes and creating delicate red Burgundy.

Sebastian Sauvegot has been the winemaker at Nuiton-Beaunoy since 2008 and is focusing on creating wines that show the character of the terroir in the Cotes d'Or. This particular Burgundy is made from 20 year-old vines, from hand-harvested grapes and is aged partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in French oak. It spends time on its lees which helps to soften the tannins.

A light translucent violet in colour, this wine has aromas of strawberries, redcurrants and blackcurrant. A hint of toast gives the wine character and weight. It is soft with round tannins and a noticeable length.