The famous Côte de Nuits bears its name, yet Nuits-Saint-Georges remains a discreet appellation.
The diversity of its wines stems from the very different nature of the soils to the north and south of the town. Mainly red, the wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges offer a beautiful harmony between tannins and roundness.
Considered as the little capital of Côte de Nuits, of which it marks the southern end, Nuits-Saint-Georges is not only an active wine trade center but also the heart of a fascinating 309-hectare vineyard. The town takes its name from one of its most renowned “climats”, Les Saint-Georges, which was added to “Nuits” in 1892. While its fame is largely due to the prestige of its wines, its Crémant, and its red fruit production, this small town also boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage. The history of Nuits-Saint-Georges is written in its monuments and can be uncovered along its winding streets. In the distance, you can spot the bell towers of the Church of Saint-Symphorien, built in the early 13th century, and Saint-Denis, built in the 19th century, which houses an 1878 organ crafted by the renowned Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. The belfry on Place de la République, classified as a historical monument, housed the town hall until 1833. Its square tower is topped by an octagonal lantern with several bells, one of which dates from 1619. This chime continues to mark the rhythm of daily life in the town.
It’s impossible to talk about Nuits-Saint-Georges without mentioning its Hospices. Heirs to the medieval leper colonies and hospitals, the Saint-Laurent Hospital was founded in 1633 by royal prosecutor Guillaume Labye. The hospital sisters moved in in 1692, and between 1695 and 1703, the hospital acquired its own vineyards. Less known than its prestigious neighbor, the Hospices de Beaune, this hospital-winery operates in much the same way, combining medical care with a high-level wine estate covering 12.4 hectares around the town. The Hospices vinify their own wines (4 cuvées of Nuits-Saint-Georges, 10 cuvées of Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, and one cuvée of Gevrey-Chambertin), and each year sell the previous year’s harvest at the Château du Clos-Vougeot on the third Sunday of March. Profits go to charitable works.
Nuits-Saint-Georges gave its name to the Côte de Nuits, whose wines are sought after by collectors of fine Burgundy, especially those from Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin. To the north, in the extension of Vosne-Romanée, the vineyards boldly climb the slopes up to 350 meters in altitude. To the south, the vineyard narrows considerably, descends in altitude, and flows like a funnel into the village of Premeaux, even extending as far as the famous Clos de la Maréchale. The red wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges generally express a vigorous, warm style. Beneath their deep color, they combine classic red fruit aromas with animal and spicy notes. These wines are full-bodied and robust, with firm tannins that ensure excellent ageing potential. There is, however, a clear distinction between wines from the north, which are rounder and fleshier like those of Vosne-Romanée, and those from the south, more structured and ideal for cellaring. 47% of the vineyard is classified as Premier Cru, and the appellation is still eagerly awaiting the elevation of Les Saint-Georges to Grand Cru status. Among the forty or so Premiers Crus, some of the most renowned include: Les Saint-Georges, Les Vaucrains, Aux Thorey, Les Cailles, Clos des Corvées, Les Porets, and Aux Vignerondes. The white wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges, though rare, are distinctive and opulent, with bouquets dominated by white flowers, honey, and vanilla, and a mineral finish that sharpens their complexity.
The Birthplace of the Tastevin
Nuits-Saint-Georges is also the birthplace of the tastevin. This traditional wine-tasting tool, dating back to the 15th century, was once given to children from winemaking families at their baptism. It gave its name to the famous Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, founded in 1934, during the economic crisis, by Georges Faiveley and Camille Rodier. These two locals had a mission: to promote Burgundy’s products—especially its great wines and regional cuisine—and to preserve and revive its festivals, customs, and traditions. If you too love Burgundy, join the brotherhood, which has already 12,000 members around the world!
