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<\/a>The style of Philippe Gavignet<\/strong> Burgundy \u201cbrings back\u201d the profound elegance of Pinot Noir to Nuits-Saint-Georges, an appellation often known for more tannic (and often less balanced) wines. Gavignet wines are solid proof that Nuits has the terroir to produce elegant Burgundy but that it requires a conscientious winemaker such as Philippe to craft it.<\/p>\nWhat first attracted us to this fourth-generation estate nearly more than 20 years ago was the impressive pedigree of Gavignet\u2019s vineyards in Nuits. What you\u2019ll discover with these selections are unquestionably some of Nuits\u2019 most expressive, very-old-vine terroirs, with vines planted as far back as the 1920s.<\/p>\n
Yet what\u2019s kept us coming back to this modest cellar is the finesse and harmony of this estate’s honest, hand-crafted wines. Not to mention what an enjoyable experience it is to taste with Philippe, a \u201csalt of the earth\u201d sort of winemaker. He can\u2019t stand pretence; casual but serious, Philippe is a true artisan who is always eager to share with us older bottles to show just how revelatory his old-vine Nuits can be.<\/p>\n
Curiously, Gavignet remains an insider\u2019s secret, while \u201cbigger\u201d names in the village garner the attention (and demand ever-higher prices). Yet no other producer even comes close to capturing the true character of this impeccable terroir as does Philippe Gavignet.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ padding_mobile=”off” make_equal=”on” admin_label=”row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”89%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”89%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#d46d32″ use_border_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]FARMING & WINEMAKING<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of winemaker Philippe Gavignet\u2019s Pinot Noir vines are very old, with a majority planted in the 1930s and 1950s. Vineyards are cared for as naturally as possible, avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides. Harvest is by hand; wines are aged in a mix of new and older French oak barrels (with no more than one-third new oak). All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. There is nothing that winemaker Philippe Gavignet can’t do. Case in point is this riveting and refreshing Bourgogne Aligot\u00e9, sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Hautes-C\u00f4tes as well as from a perfect plot in Nuits proper. So much freshness, so much juicy energy.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bourgogne Chardonnay” admin_label=”Bourgogne Chardonnay” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A refined, plush and perfectly balanced Bourgogne Chardonnay from richer soils in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Winemaker Philippe Gavignet ages his wine half in tank and half in larger oak barrels, for more texture and complexity. A stunning \u201cbasic\u201d Bourgogne that\u2019s great with river fish or grilled chicken.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bourgogne Blanc Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018La Montagne\u2019” admin_label=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits Blanc \u2018La Montagne\u2019” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Higher and higher still into the Hautes-C\u00f4tes — the “mountain” is another new visionary plot discovered by the Gavignet team, over 1,000 feet in altitude and surrounded by forestland between Nuits and Premeaux-Prissey. Cool winds, bright fruit, a ton of energy and precision. Here Gavignet has planted both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to great results; this pure white Burgundy has a bit of Chablis-inspired energy to its fresh, citrus aromas.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc \u2018Les Argillats\u2019” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc \u2018Les Argillats\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Blanc. ‘Argillats’ is planted to both red and white grapes; while the vineyard\u2019s soils in general combine brown limestone and silt, whites are planted exclusively on a vein of sand that runs through the plot.\u00a0A refined, silky white with tons of\u00a0citrus energy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text admin_label=”RED WINES” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|on|||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”16″ background_color=”#d46d32″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”2%|5%|2%|5%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]RED WINES Not your “average” Bourgogne Rouge. Gavignet combines fruit from\u00a045+ year old vines grown on\u00a0two separate plots in Nuits proper; the vineyards’ mineral-rich, silty soils contribute spice and\u00a0refined tannins. It’s true that you can judge the talents of a winemaker in how he or she treats their “base” wine; this is, hands-down, one of the more refined, character-rich Bourgogne Rouge wines out there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018Clos des Dames Huguette\u2019” admin_label=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018Clos des Dames Huguettes\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u2018Clos des Dames Huguette\u2019 is a large vineyard located directly above Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the wind-swept hills of the Hautes-C\u00f4tes, between 1,050 and 1,200 feet in altitude. Terroir here is similar to the clay-limestone soils of the C\u00f4te d\u2019Or, yet top soils are much thinner. This higher perch and rocky terrain translates into a Pinot Noir of serious aromatic definition and cool red fruit flavors; all the depth and concentration you’d expect from Nuits, wrapped in a dashing silky robe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018Clos de L’Hermitage\u2019” admin_label=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018Clos de L’Hermitage\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A new vineyard planted by the family in the Hautes-C\u00f4tes, a limestone plateau that sits at altitude over the main Burgundian “c\u00f4te.” Here temperatures are cooler, and winds stronger, for wines with incredible poise and balance. Notes of raspberry and cherry, with hints of violet and licorice.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018La Montagne\u2019” admin_label=”Bourgogne Hautes-C\u00f4tes de Nuits \u2018La Montagne\u2019” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Higher and higher still into the Hautes-C\u00f4tes — the “mountain” is another new visionary plot discovered by the Gavignet team, over 1,000 feet in altitude and surrounded by forestland between Nuits and Premeaux-Prissey. Cool winds, bright fruit, a ton of energy and precision.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some of Gavignet’s oldest vines are the core of this “vieilles vignes” cru, planted in\u00a01920 and 1954. Vineyards \u2018Les Belles Croix\u2019 and \u2018Les Allots\u2019 both border Nuits-Saint-Georges\u2019 premier cru row of vineyards.\u00a0For us, this wine is the sum of all the things\u00a0that make Gavignet wines so remarkable: impeccable terroir, stunning older-vine fruit, peerless craftsmanship, elegant flavors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘Les Argillats'” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘Argillats'” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of Nuits’ higher-altitude plots, ‘Argillats’ sits at the forest line and deep in the mouth of the valley west of the village of Nuits. This cooler perch gives Pinot Noir with great definition and finesse (and also explains why a small portion of the vineyard is planted to Chardonnay). Bright red and black fruit, stony persistence, lots of freshness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘La Charmotte'” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘La Charmotte'” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You could translate ‘La Charmotte’ loosely as “little cutie,” as this is the sort of red-fruited joy and pep this villages-level Pinot Noir delivers. Located on the Vosne side of Nuits and touching premier cru ‘Bousselots,’ ‘Charmotte’ is certainly charming. Floral nuance, plush texture and a ton of pleasure.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Bousselots\u2019” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Bousselots\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The ‘Bousselots’ vineyard sits not far from the village border with\u00a0Vosne-Roman\u00e9e;\u00a0a bit of Vosne violets and velvety tannins make their way into this sultry, elegant cru wine.\u00a0Vines planted in 1946.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Aux Thorey\u2019” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Aux Thorey\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A small plot of very old vines, planted by the family in 1942. Steeply graded, ‘Aux Thorey’ sits on the Vosne side of Nuits and is not far from premier cru ‘Bousselots,’ sharing similar limestone-rich soils. Structured and intensely aromatic, with a velvety finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Chaboeufs\u2019” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Chaboeufs\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Half the vineyard was planted in 1950; the rest in 1990 and 1994. The \u2018Chaboeufs\u2019 vineyard is nestled into a cool, narrow valley; soils are brown limestone with some clay, stony and iron-rich.\u00a0‘Chaboeufs’ is meaty, black-fruited, concentrated — yet retains a cool elegance in both texture and aroma, very captivating. A great wine for the cellar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Pruliers\u2019” admin_label=”Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru \u2018Les Pruliers\u2019” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”14″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Gavignet\u2019s vines, planted in 1974, at the foot of this\u00a0vineyard grow in brown limestone soils that are very gravely.\u00a0This extra bit of mineral influence gives ‘Pruliers’ structure and definition, with a touch of coffee and chocolate on the finish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#9db155″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%” use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”WHITE WINES” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|on|||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”16″ background_color=”#d46d32″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”2%|5%|2%|5%” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]WHITE\u00a0WINES
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