Nuits Saint Georges Procès Joseph Drouhin

Grape Variety : Pinot Noir.

Vineyard :

Site : at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the town of Nuits has its own Hospices, world-renowned vineyards and, of course, ancient traditions. Maison Joseph Drouhin owns nearly half of the Premier Cru Les Procès, next to Pruliers, another famous vineyard.

History & tradition : the name Nuits may come from "noyer" (walnut tree), a not very frequent tree in this region. As a matter of fact, the hillsides in Burgundy were covered with oak trees at the time the Romans arrived.

Soil : excellent due east exposure, on a mild incline. The soil is not too rocky, but deep and with good drainage.

Drouhin estate : 0,37 ha. (.925 acre).

Average age of the vines : 59 years.

Viticulture :

Biological cultivation since 1990; biodynamic cultivation a few years later

Vine stocks : "sélection massale" (propagation of new vine stocks from a number of selected vines) done at the Drouhin nursery; also clones of recognized quality.

Soil maintenance : compost of manure and white wood, sometimes guano (seabird manure used as fertilizer). Soil is ploughed either by tractor or by horse to manage spreading of weeds.

Treatment : only authorized products for biological cultivation are used: infusions and macerations of plant materials, sulfur and copper, powdered rock. Natural predators are not eliminated.

Plantation density : from 10,000 to 12,500 stocks/ha in order to extract all possible nuances from the terroir and limit the production of each vine stock.

Pruning : Guyot.

Yield : we aim to keep our yields low, more in line with the previous regulation: around 20% less than allowed by the current law.

Vinification :

Harvesting : by hand, in small open crates in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit.

Sorting of the grapes : in the vineyard and at the "cuverie" (winery) if necessary.

Maceration : maceration and vinification take 2 to 3 weeks indigenous yeastsmaceration and fermentation temperatures under total controlJoseph Drouhin seeks total control of the process of extraction; extraction gives colour and substance to a wine but should never be detrimental to its finesse and typical character. "Pigeage" (punching down of the cap during fermentation): once a day until half of fermentation is done; one pumping over ("remontage") per day till the end of the fermentation.

Pressing : separation of free run juice from pressed juice.

Ageing :

Type : in barrels (20% in new oak).

Length : 14 to 18 months.

Origin of the wood : French oak forests.

Weathering of the wood : Joseph Drouhin insists on total control of the weathering for a period of 3 years, one of the contributing elements to the elegance of the wine.

Follow-up : barrel by barrel.

Fining ("collage", to clarify the wine): light, after careful tasting.

Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation, barrel by barrel. The data obtained is then completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.

Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin : "Deep garnet colour, bright like a gemstone. The aromas are as intense, but elegant. They are reminiscent of cherry jelly with hints of wood and balsam, or cedar. With age, the aromas take on gamey touches. On the palate, the wine displays flesh as well as structure and a velvety texture. Very flavorful aftertaste, evoking fruit syrups and spice infusions".

Serving :

Temperature : 16°C (61-62°F).

Cellaring : 8 to 25 years.