Domaine Michel Noëllat Nuits-Saint-Georges 2021

Winery Background and History

Domaine Michel Noëllat, founded in the early 20th century, is a family-owned estate located in Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy. Now managed by the fifth generation, the domaine cultivates approximately 27 hectares across 22 appellations, including prestigious Grand Crus like Clos de Vougeot and Echézeaux. Known for blending traditional Burgundian methods with modern techniques, the estate emphasizes terroir expression and meticulous vineyard management.

Producer and Wine Maker

The estate is currently overseen by Sophie Noëllat, who continues the family’s legacy of producing elegant and terroir-driven wines. The winemaking approach involves careful grape selection, destemming, and moderate extraction to highlight the purity and finesse of Pinot Noir. Aging is conducted in French oak barrels, balancing new and seasoned wood to complement the wine’s character.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation lies in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy. The vineyards benefit from a continental climate with warm summers and cool winters, ideal for Pinot Noir cultivation. Soils are predominantly limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s structure and minerality.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration to enhance aromatic complexity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak. This process aims to preserve the wine’s freshness while adding subtle oak nuances.

Tasting notes

The 2021 Nuits-Saint-Georges offers a classic profile with harmonious fruit and a slight hint of iron. The wine exhibits aromas of cherry, strawberry, and blackcurrant, evolving to notes of leather and truffle with age. On the palate, it is well-balanced, showcasing depth and the potential to develop further complexity with cellaring.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs excellently with rich dishes such as roasted duck, beef Wellington, or lamb shanks. Its depth and complexity also complement earthy flavors found in mushroom-based dishes and aged cheeses like Comté or Époisses.

Service Methods and Temperatures

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–64°F)

• Decanting: Recommended for 1–2 hours to allow the wine to open up and reveal its complex aromas and flavors.

Storage and Aging Potential

While approachable in its youth, the 2021 Nuits-Saint-Georges has the potential to age gracefully over the next 10–15 years. Proper cellaring in a cool, dark environment will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and tertiary aromas.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%