Hautes Côtes de Nuits Blanc 2023 Domaine Bertagna

The Hautes Côtes de Nuits Blanc 2023 from Domaine Bertagna is the domaine's most accessible and immediately seductive white cuvée, and a precious discovery in an appellation not always known for Chardonnay of such complexity and aromatic depth. This Chardonnay reveals particularly complex aromatics for its appellation level: citrus, honeysuckle, spring honey, and finely toasted hazelnut. The palate is well-structured, with a minerality that runs through a round and savory body.

Terroir and the vines

This Hautes Côtes de Nuits Blanc comes from a 1.13-hectare parcel of 100% Chardonnay planted on the commune of Nuits-Saint-Georges, at higher altitude than the Côte vineyards, in the valleys and hills that overlook the most prestigious appellations of the Côte de Nuits. The soil is particularly characteristic: laves de Bourgogne, basaltic and limestone stones from ancient geological landslides, which give the Chardonnay a natural minerality and tension of remarkable precision for a back-slope appellation. The altitude and natural coolness of the terroir preserve the acidity and delicacy of the variety, producing a white of lightness and liveliness that contrasts with the more opulent Chardonnays of the Côte de Beaune. Viticulture is integrated and reasoned, with biological soil work, green harvesting, and hand-sorted manual harvest. Vinification is precise: berry pressing without destemming, followed by 48 hours of cold maceration, alcoholic fermentation in barrels and stainless steel tanks. Ageing lasts 10 to 12 months, with 60% in 228 and 456-litre oak barrels and 40% in stainless steel tanks, to preserve the freshness and aromatic brilliance of the variety while bringing natural complexity and roundness.

Tasting profile

The color is pale gold with green reflections, clear and bright. The nose is immediately fresh and generous: supple and fruity, with aromas of fresh fruit, evolving toward spices and dried fruits. Notes of citrus, honeysuckle, and spring honey unfold naturally, accompanied by a touch of finely toasted hazelnut from partial barrel ageing. The stony minerality of the laves de Bourgogne brings depth and precision to a floral and fruity bouquet of remarkable delicacy for this appellation level. On the palate, the wine is supple, fruity, and naturally drinkable: the texture is round and savory, with fresh acidity well-integrated that brings tension and length to a light and elegant structure. The finish is clean, mineral, and fruity, with pleasant persistence that confirms the quality of this Nuits-Saint-Georges terroir in its back-slope white version.

The domaine

Domaine Bertagna is located in Vougeot, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, its buildings opening onto the celebrated Clos de Vougeot. Founded by Claude Bertagna and acquired in 1982 by the German Reh family, it is today directed by Eva Reh-Siddle and Denis Rozat heading production, over 17 hectares covering 18 appellations, including 5 remarkable Grand Crus.

Food pairings

Pâtés, terrines, shellfish, fish in sauce, and vol-au-vents are classic and perfectly suited pairings. This Hautes Côtes de Nuits Blanc will also pair well with white asparagus with mousseline sauce, wild mushroom and parmesan risotto, trout with almonds, or fresh goat's cheese with herbs. Served between 11 and 12°C, it will reveal all the floral freshness, stony minerality, and natural gourmandise of a back-slope Chardonnay crafted with care and conviction.