Nuits Saint Georges 1er cru Les Murgers 2020 Domaine Bertagna

The Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers 2020 from Domaine Bertagna is among the most powerful and characteristic Premier Crus in the domaine's range, from a one-hectare parcel on exceptional terroir north of the appellation, immediate neighbour to Vosne-Romanée. A great Nuits with considerable charm, velvety tannin presence, finesse and red fruit aromas. Body and charm define this wine. The 2020 vintage, sun-blessed and generous, amplifies the fleshy richness and natural concentration of this deep, stony terroir.

The Murgers terroir

The name Murgers reflects the stones in the soil that vineyard workers gathered and piled at the row's edge, eventually forming walls. Positioned mid-slope, north of Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, above the first parcels of Vosne-Romanée, this terroir comprises deep, very stony soil ensuring excellent drainage. The Premier Cru sits ideally at mid-slope with east to south-east exposure on deep argilo-calcareous and mineral soils mixed with small stones. Its northern position, bordering Vosne-Romanée, gives it floral elegance and finesse that temper the natural fleshy power of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Domaine Bertagna counts prestigious neighbours on this climat: Sylvain Cathiard, Christophe Perrot-Minot, Méo-Camuzet and Cécile Tremblay. The domaine's parcel covers one hectare of 100% Pinot Noir, farmed organically. Harvesting is manual with rigorous selection in vineyard and on sorting table. Vinification includes 30 to 50% whole-bunch fruit, cold pre-fermentation maceration, 21 to 28 day cuvaison with temperature control, gentle extraction by pump-over and punch-down. Ageing lasts 15 to 18 months in French oak, 50% new barrels.

Tasting profile

The robe is deep intense ruby with purple reflections, notably dark on this sunny 2020 vintage. The nose is expressive and generous, with ripe red fruits, black cherries and preserved raspberries, accompanied by lovely ripe fruit notes typical of Nuits terroir, and a light spicy, mineral touch marking the imprint of Murgers' deep stony soil. Whole-bunch fruit at 30 to 50% adds floral and spicy notes enriching this bouquet with precious complexity and freshness. The wine expresses all the typicity of Côte de Nuits terroir: red fruit aromas stand out, with velvety tannins and charming overall character. On the palate, the wine is ample and concentrated, with fleshy, generous matter inherited from the 2020 vintage, present but velvety tannins of silky texture, and fresh acidity well-integrated bringing tension and length. The finish is persistent, mineral and fruity, with the presence and body characteristic of great Nuits-Saint-Georges. Drink from 2025 to 2035.

The domaine

Domaine Bertagna sits in Vougeot, heart of Côte de Nuits, its buildings adjacent to the former Cistercian Chapter that founded Clos de Vougeot in the 13th century. Founded by Claude Bertagna, acquired in 1982 by the German Reh family, it is now directed by Eva Reh-Siddle and Denis Rozat heading production, across 17 hectares covering 18 appellations including 5 remarkable Grand Crus.

Food pairing

This Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers pairs beautifully with grilled beef rib, entrecôte with shallots, duck breast with blackcurrant, Coq au Nuits-Saint-Georges with roasted thyme potatoes, game birds or aged cheese such as Époisses or mature Comté. Decanting for one hour is advised in its youth. Served between 16 and 17°C, it will reveal all the fruity power, velvety tannin presence and natural charm of one of Nuits-Saint-Georges' finest Premier Crus.