Jean-Claude Boisset : Three laboratory plots !

Since the 2017 harvest, three lovely little renewed plots have started to provide grapes. These exclusive vineyards have belonged to the wine house for a long time, and are undergoing conversion to organic cultivation. They will be used explore some different techniques, the grapes being vinified without sulfur according to the principle of bioprotection,* like three-quarters of the production in 2017, with short ageing for 12 months. They will be in the style of previous cuvées of the same lineage.

Winemaker Grégory Patriat, who is overseeing the production of these wines and follows work in the vines year-round, is excited: “This allows us to venture into new areas, whether in terms of trellising, trimming, or pruning, to see how that impacts the grapes. This can give us a different approach to our partners, taking a global perspective.” In other words, they are acting as laboratory plots to help in the perpetual quest for excellence.


Pommard Les Vaumuriens

A lovely little plot above the village, where the soil is thin and there are many stones. This poor ground is perfect for vines, and the Vaumuriens no doubt evokes the low yields which are today so sought-after. The plants here are around 35 years old, late ripening, high up the slope and facing east.

Half of the harvest was vinified in whole bunches, with 40% aged in new oak, resulting in a Pommard that is atypical of the appellation, exhibiting more delicacy, with a floral side. “It is a pleasure to capture the essence of this delightful climat.”


Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Belles Croix

This plot is at the same latitude, and 200 meters as the crow flies from the new Les Ursulines winery, which is due to open in spring. Bordering the famous Premier Cru Les Pruliers, on a gentle slope facing east, these nice, slender 50-year-old vines produce small grapes.

The plot yielded four pieces, which were fully destalked before vinification, One-third was aged in new oak, and at this stage, the wine is very likeable, according to Grégory, more classic than the other Nuits-Saint-Georges in the cellar; the Charbonnières is more rugged, and the cuvée of Nuits village is more severe.


Gevrey-Chambertin Les Murots

At the bottom of the village, this plot is on flat, thin soil with lots of stones from the limestone scree of the Combe Lavaux. The 40-year-old vines are on the generous side.

Six pièces were made, half of the harvest being left to macerate in whole bunches. The young wine is showing floral notes, a sign of its nobility, along with its firm yet fine style.

It complements the other cuvée of Gevrey-Chambertin, En Champs, located on the side of Brochon, which is more typical of the appellation with a more pronounced character.


*see article in the previous edition