Domaine Taupenot-Merme : Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru "Les Pruliers" 2017

The Character and Aromatic Richness of a Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru by Taupenot-Merme

The estate

Domaine Taupenot-Merme was founded in 1963 through the union of Denise Merme and Jean Taupenot, the 7th generation of two Burgundian families whose winemaking history dates back to the 18th century. Based in Morey Saint Denis, the estate has become a benchmark among the great Burgundy wines by developing both its terroir and its winemaking methods.

The vineyard

Farmed organically since 2001, the Domaine Taupenot-Merme vineyard covers 13 hectares. Its old vines, averaging 35 years of age and reaching 60 years on certain plots, are spread across emblematic Grand Cru and Premier Cru terroirs, as well as village and regional appellations.

The wine

This Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers" 2017 from Domaine Taupenot-Merme comes from a 0.53-hectare vineyard whose east-facing exposure contributes to the prestigious signature of this great wine. Planted on clay-limestone soil with marl, the vines are around 44 years old.

Vinification and ageing

Harvested by hand at full ripeness, the grapes are carefully transported to the winery to prevent any oxidation or uncontrolled pre-fermentation maceration, before undergoing rigorous sorting. Cold pre-fermentation maceration (10°C) takes place for 8 to 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by 7 to 9 days of fermentation maceration with manual punching down and pumping over. The vats are emptied by hand without pumping, followed by fractional, low-pressure pneumatic pressing to ensure the extraction of the noblest tannins. The press wine is tasted before blending. The wine is transferred to barrel 36 to 48 hours after settling in order to preserve as much of the fine lees as possible. Lasting 15 to 18 months, ageing on the lees takes place in oak barrels (30% new). The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to optimise the natural expression of the terroir.

Blend

This Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers" 2017 from Domaine Taupenot-Merme is 100% Pinot Noir.

Tasting

Colour

The colour is intense and dark.

Nose

Powerful and complex, the nose reveals delicious fruity (cherry, blackcurrant), truffled and spicy aromas.

Palate

Of exceptional length, the palate combines spicy (black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg) and liquorice notes with a racy tannic structure.

Food and wine pairing

This Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Les Pruliers" 2017 from Domaine Taupenot-Merme pairs beautifully with red wine sauces, marinated or roasted game, full-flavoured grilled or roasted red meats, and medium-flavoured cheeses.

Serving

To enjoy this wine at its best in its youth, open the bottle 1 hour beforehand, decant it to release its aromatic expression and serve at 14-15°C. As it evolves over time, this wine can be enjoyed at between 16 and 17°C.

Cellaring

Already approachable, this great Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru will show more rounded tannins from 2023-2025, but can also be cellared until 2032-2037 to reveal its full aromatic complexity.