The history of the Côte de Nuits is intertwined with that of Burgundy. The region was developed first by the monks of Cîteaux. Very present in local viticulture at the time, they owned notably the famous Clos de Vougeot. Later, the production zone saw its renown grow thanks to Napoleon. The Emperor, it is said, swore only by Chambertin. An exceptional wine which, together with Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze, is a centrepiece of Burgundy's viticultural heritage. Dating from 630, they are among the oldest of the Burgundian climats.
The Côte de Nuits is also home to Romanée-Conti, considered by many to be the world's greatest red wine. This exceptional domaine, producing from less than two hectares in Vosne-Romanée, perfectly illustrates the Burgundian philosophy of the climat: a unique terroir, a singular expression, absolute rarity. Domaine Leroy, farmed biodynamically, is another absolute reference of the Côte de Nuits, with wines of incomparable density and complexity.
The Côte de Nuits vineyard extends over some twenty kilometres, representing 1,500 hectares, from Marsannay to Nuits-Saint-Georges. The vines grow on a narrow band of hillsides, sometimes only 200 to 300 metres wide. The soils derive from the uplift, during the Tertiary era, of the ancient granite bedrock and its marine sedimentary cover. They were then subjected to slow erosion during the Ice Age, now benefiting from a predominantly calcareous and marly character.
The presence of numerous combes gives personality to the region. While the hillsides are essentially composed of limestone scree and red silt, the plains are predominantly composed of clay and limestone conglomerates. The communes of Gevrey-Chambertin and Fixin are renowned for their marls. The climate is oceanic with semi-continental influence. Winters are harsh and autumn rains frequent. A great diversity of terroirs that strongly contributes to the typicity of the wines.
In the 18th century, Côte de Nuits wines were light, almost rosé in colour and to be drunk young. They subsequently gained in power, tannic structure and alcohol content, now focusing on balance and fruitiness. The vineyard benefits from a great wealth of appellations and Grands Crus, with prestigious wines from Chambertin, Echezeaux, Romanée and Vougeot. Renowned for its red wines, it also produces highly sought-after white wines. Thanks to its terroir and the appropriate use of grape varieties Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay and Aligoté, the Côte de Nuits has naturally established itself as the heartland of the Grands Crus of the Côte d'Or.
For importers and wine merchants worldwide, the Côte de Nuits represents the pinnacle of Burgundy red. Its Grands Crus are among the most collected and most traded wines at auction on the planet. Strong Asian, American and British demand for the great references of Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-Saint-Georges makes it one of the most commercially dynamic wine zones in the world, with prices in constant progression.
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