Definition: Nuits (Côte-de-)

The Côte-de-Nuits is not an appellation, but a wine region producing fine red wines such as Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. They are all robust and elegant with an intense aroma. It stretches between Dijon and Beaune. The Côte-de-Nuits includes several appellations bearing the word Nuits:

Bourgogne-Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits

Production area located on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Côte-de-Nuits to the west, more precisely within plots of 19 communes in the Côte-d'Or department. Classified as an AOC since 1937. Area under production: just over 570 hectares. Mostly vinified as white (17%), clairet, rosé and red wines. White grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot; grey: Pinot Beurot; black: Pinot Noir and Pinot Liébault. The incorporation of a certain number of white and grey grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinots into vineyards intended for the production of red wines is still authorised, provided that they do not exceed 15%. It can be kept for: 2 to 5 years for whites, clairets and rosés; 8 to 10 years for reds. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for whites, clairets and rosés; between 15 and 17°C for reds. Pairings: white wines with snails or fish; clairets or rosés with grilled meats or charcuterie; red wines with rabbit or roast veal.

Côte-de-Nuits-Villages

Production area located within the communes of Brochon and Fixin to the south-west of Dijon; Comblanchien and Prémeaux-Prissey to the south of Nuits-Saint-Georges, all in the Côte-d'Or department. Classified as a communal AOC in 1964, also applicable to the Côte-de-Nuits fine wine appellation. Area under production: just over 160 hectares. The total area covered is 310 hectares. White grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot; grey: Pinot Beurot; black: Pinot Noir and Pinot Liébault. The incorporation of white and grey grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinots into the vineyards is permitted, provided that they do not exceed 15%. Vinified: a very small quantity as white wine and the majority as red wine. Can be stored: for 3 to 5 years, or even longer, depending on the vintage. Ideal serving temperature: between 8 and 10°C for white; between 16 and 17°C for red. Enjoy the red with a hare terrine, thrush pâté or woodcock pâté.

Nuits-Saint-Georges or Nuits

Production area: located more than 20 kilometres south of Dijon, more precisely within the communes of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Prémeaux-Prissey in the Côte-d'Or department. Classified as a communal AOC with 41 premiers crus. Area under production: nearly 293 hectares, half of which are premiers crus. White grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot; grey: Pinot Beurot; black: Pinot Noir and Pinot Liébault. To produce red wines, the incorporation of white and grey grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinots into the harvest is permitted, provided that they do not exceed 15%. The area covers a total of 318 hectares, of which 152 hectares are classified as premier cru. Vinified as: white for a very small quantity and mainly red. It can be kept for a very long time, from 5 to 20 years. Ideal serving temperature: between 14 and 15°C for white; between 16 and 17°C for red. Pair with: red wine, venison with raspberry vinegar, hare stew, rabbit terrine, pigeon with peas or duck breast with green pepper.