Nuits Saint Georges 2023 Domaine Lecheneaut

The Nuits-Saint-Georges 2023 from Domaine Lécheneaut is one of the most representative and approachable cuvées from this family domaine, rooted in the heart of the appellation for over sixty years. Bettane & Desseauve describe it for its "volume and engaging character that makes it irresistible". This village-level Nuits-Saint-Georges is a blend of several parcels from the commune's finage, including fruit from the upper section of the Damodes, a lieu-dit bordering Vosne-Romanée whose vineyards lend the wine a finesse and elegance that far exceed typical village level. An ideal introduction to a domaine whose pricing has remained reasonable despite quality that ranks its wines among the essential references of the Côte de Nuits.

Terroir and vines

This Nuits-Saint-Georges village comes from several carefully selected parcels across the commune's finage, with a portion from the upper Damodes zone, a lieu-dit on the border with Vosne-Romanée. Since taking over the domaine in 1986, Philippe and Vincent Lécheneaut have blended grapes from this area with their other Nuits-Saint-Georges parcels. This careful mixing of different sectors, some more powerful and structured, others more refined and floral, gives the wine its characteristic combination of density and elegance. The soils are typical Côte de Nuits argilo-calcareous with a stony, well-draining structure that ensures consistent ripening and faithful aromatic concentration. The vines are managed with respect for natural balance, without herbicides, low yields, and strict selection in the vineyard. Harvest is entirely by hand, with a second sorting in the cellar before vinification. Ageing uses a proportion of new oak suited to village-level expression, bringing complexity without dominating the fruit.

Tasting profile

The robe is a dark ruby with violet glints, bright and well-defined. The nose is immediately expressive and engaging, in the domaine's classical style: aromas of crisp cherry, raspberry and fresh blackcurrant open with natural precision, accompanied by discreet floral notes of rose and peony, a light pepper spice and hint of liquorice. The oak, well-integrated, adds depth and complexity without masking the fruit. On the palate, the wine is direct and precise, both engaging and structured, with generous, velvety material and finely-woven tannins of great elegance, driven by fresh acidity that brings tension and length. The finish is clean, fruited and lightly mineral, with aromatic persistence that far exceeds village level. A wine for immediate pleasure and cellaring, its potential fully expressed over five to ten years.

The domaine

Domaine Lécheneaut was founded in the 1950s by Fernand Lécheneaut, a native Moreysien who established himself in Nuits-Saint-Georges with 2.5 hectares. In 1986, his sons Philippe and Vincent took over the domaine after oenological training at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, expanded it to 10 hectares and modernised facilities with a clear vision: classical Burgundian wines with good density but without excess, and frank, precise expression of terroir. Today, the third generation, represented by Jules, is entering the domaine, ensuring continuity of this family craft work. The domaine produces 18 appellations in under 60,000 bottles per vintage, spread across Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin, demonstrating exemplary mastery and consistency over more than forty years.

Food pairing

This Nuits-Saint-Georges pairs beautifully with beef roasted with wild mushrooms, rabbit in a cocotte with bacon, roasted Bresse poultry with herbs, veal sauté with chanterelles or duck breast with cherries. It also harmonises well with aged soft cheeses such as Époisses, Soumaintrain or Cîteaux. Served between 15 and 17°C, it will reveal the fruited precision and natural elegance of a classical Nuits-Saint-Georges, signed by one of the most reliable winemaking families of the Côte de Nuits.