Wines Nuits-Saint-Georges Domaine Alain Jeanniard - Les Athées - 2017

Alain Jeanniard’s Nuits-Saint-Georges "Cuvée Les Athées" 2017 is a graceful expression of Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir. The 2017 vintage saw a favourable growing season, with a relatively mild winter and a warm spring leading to early budbreak. The summer was pleasant, allowing for slow, even ripening and resulting in wines of finesse and accessibility. The "Les Athées" parcel is celebrated for its classic Burgundian terroir—limestone-rich soils with a touch of clay, lending both structure and minerality to the wine. Vinification is marked by a careful, traditional approach: hand-harvested grapes, partial destemming, gentle extraction, and élevage in French oak barrels, which adds subtlety and texture without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

Nuits-Saint-Georges is one of the most illustrious appellations in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, renowned for its earthy, robust expressions of Pinot Noir. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers tempered by cool nights, ensuring good acidity and vibrant aromatics in the grapes. The varied soils, predominately limestone with pockets of marl and clay, contribute to wines of depth and complexity. Historically, Nuits-Saint-Georges was among the first Burgundian wines to gain international acclaim, particularly noted for their cellaring potential and the savoury, structured style that sets them apart from some neighbouring villages.

A wine of this calibre calls for elegant food pairings. Its red cherry and blackberry fruit, supported by earthy and spicy nuances, is beautifully matched with classic Burgundian cuisine like coq au vin or beef bourguignon. Roast duck with a berry reduction, grilled game birds, or even a truffle risotto would also complement its complexity. For a regional cheese choice, try Époisses or aged Comté, which will resonate with the wine’s savoury and mineral notes.

For the best tasting experience, decant the wine for about 30 minutes to allow the bouquet to fully evolve, and serve at 15-17°C. This temperature range will highlight the balance of freshness, fruit, and subtle oak, offering an authentic glimpse into the elegance of Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir.