Vivian Liang | September 15, 2020
Domaine Henri Gouges
In this episode, we head to southern Côte de Nuits to explore the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges, where many affordable and delicious Burgundies are produced, that do not receive quite the same limelight as other communes.
Domaine Henri Gouges is one of the most famous name in the village, with the Gouges family farming vineyards here for generations. Over the years, they have expanded their vineyard holdings, which now include some of the finest Premier Crus: the mighty Les Saint Georges, Les Vaucrains, Les Chaignots, Les Pruliers, Chene Carteaux and their monopole vineyard of Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges. The domaine is now run by Henri’s grandchildren, Pierre and Christian, as well as the next generation Gregory and Antoine. This Domaine has been a family business ever since it was established in the 1920s.
Winemaking is traditional: all grapes are destemmed before a long, cold maceration. Natural yeasts are responsible for fermentation, after which the wines are transferred to small oak barrels, roughly 25% new. While the style might have changed over the years, due to new generations, practices, and climate, one thing that remains unchanged is the utmost quality of the wine.
Today, the domaine is crafting terroir-driven, structured wines that are of enormous value and character. I recommend their village Nuits-Saint-Georges red for daily enjoyment, a juicy wine that shows lovely red fruits. Their mid-range 1er Cru Les Pruliers is made from vines averaging 50 years old, a complex yet unbelievably affordable wine. To taste the best of what the domaine has to offer, try their mineral-driven Les Vaucrains for its concentration and the great Les Saint Georges, the most celebrated vineyard in the village, for its combination of power and finesse. Last but not least, their unique Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges guarantees an exceptional wine that is elegant, yet full of personality.
I invite you to explore our selection below.
