Domaine du Clos Frantin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France, 2018

Producer Profile

Domaine du Clos Frantin is Albert Bichot's historic estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits.

The 13.2-hectare domaine owns an exceptional collection of vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations, including 3.9 hectares of Premier and Grand Cru sites such as Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Malconsorts, Richebourg, Grands-Echezeaux, Echezeaux and Clos de Vougeot. The vineyards have been certified organic, with compost and ploughing replacing herbicides and chemical fertilisers. Low yields, careful vineyard work and gentle winemaking allow Pinot Noir to express the character and subtle differences of each Côte de Nuits terroir.

Viticulture

This Pinot Noir is sourced from Domaine du Clos Frantin's vineyards in Nuits-Saint-Georges, the appellation that lends its name to the Côte de Nuits. The estate's plots are situated in the southern part of the commune, where deep clay-based soils provide richness and power, as well as on steeper western slopes that contribute freshness and structure. The vines, planted on calcareous clay soils, average 35 to 40 years of age.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted upon arrival at the winery. Fermentative maceration takes place in temperature-controlled wooden vats over 18 to 21 days, allowing optimal extraction of colour, flavour and tannin while preserving the finesse and character of the Pinot Noir fruit. The wine is matured in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 25% to 35% new oak. This ageing regime adds depth, complexity and spice while supporting the wine's structure and long-term ageing potential.

Tasting Note

Deep, powerful and beautifully structured, this Nuits-Saint-Georges offers aromas of ripe red and black fruits that evolve towards notes of woodland floor, mushroom and tobacco with age. The palate is fleshy and concentrated, supported by firm yet elegant tannins. Complex and expressive, it finishes with impressive length and lingering notes of spice and red berries.

Food matching

Outstanding with roast venison, duck breast, slow-braised lamb shank and aged Gruyère or Comté cheese.