Page 11 - HS vendanges english

NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES

The promise of refined and

exquisitely-balanced Crémants

The harvests Initial tastings

A hot, dry year with a good harvest, albeit with reduced ‘This top-quality vintage promises refined, exquisitely-
yields across the board. The Pinot noirs suffered the balanced Crémants. They are fermenting nicely in their
most from this weather, producing small berries with vats. At the moment, fermentation is completed in 5 to
lots of colour and good aromatic concentration. 10 days whereas on average it would normally take 15.
th
11 August: picking kicks off in the Beaujolais, three Tropical fruit aromas (Chardonnays) and strawberry
days earlier than in 2003, a year which saw extremely (Pinot Noirs) are emanating from the vats.
high temperatures from an early stage! Superb Gamays As the sugar breaks down, acidity becomes more
with a fine balance of sugar and acidity. notable. These wines are lively and boast nice long
th
17 August: the starting gun went off a full fifteen finishes. This is a major factor in our Crémants’ ability
days earlier than the previous year in the Auxerrois to maintain their quality over significant periods of time.
(northern Burgundy) with the Pinot Noirs of the organic Some of the base wines is currently undergoing
wine estate of the Domaine des Nantelles. malolactic fermentation to deliver more body and a
18 August: Côte de Nuits, the En Bollery plot (4.8 wider aromatic palette.
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ha (11.86 ac) of Pinot Noir and 2.4 ha (5.9 ac) of We have also repeated our no-added sulphur approach
Chardonnay). to vinification for the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir
10 September: harvesting ends with the grapes of – this is the third year running we have done this.
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the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Lastly, the organic Aligoté has definitely met our
expectations, with the lemony notes that characterizes
our ‘Perle de Jade’ Crémant de Bourgogne.’
FRÉDÉRIC BRAND

©J.L. Bernuy
Boisset La Famille des Grands Vins - www.boisset.com - Special Issue - The 2020 Vintage 11