Wines Nuits-Saint-Georges Domaine Alain Jeanniard - Les Poisets - 2022

This Domaine Alain Jeanniard Nuits-Saint-Georges "Cuvée Les Poisets" 2022 is a red Burgundy that encapsulates both the terroir and the artisanal expertise associated with this renowned subregion. As is typical for red wines from Nuits-Saint-Georges, it is almost certainly made predominantly, if not solely, from Pinot Noir grapes, although the exact blend is not confirmed. The 2022 vintage, with its relatively warm and favourable growing season across Burgundy, is likely to have produced a wine of generous fruit, accessible structure and expressive aromatics. Expect a medium-bodied wine with vibrant acidity and supple tannins, giving way to red cherry, raspberry, blackberry and perhaps some earthy undertones, along with hints of spice and floral notes that are characteristic of the appellation. The 'Les Poisets' mention indicates a specific parcel, suggesting an attentive approach to vineyard selection and winemaking, potentially resulting in a wine with precision and sense of place.

Nuits-Saint-Georges lies towards the southern end of the Côte de Nuits, a stretch of Burgundy famous for producing some of the world's most celebrated and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. The soils here are typically a mix of limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage and imparting complexity and mineral tension to the wines. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, with sufficient warmth to fully ripen Pinot Noir, balanced by cool nights that help retain freshness and aromatic nuance. The history of vineyard cultivation in Nuits-Saint-Georges dates back centuries, and wines from this appellation are often admired for their structure and ability to pair particularly well with food.

In terms of food pairings, this style of Burgundy thrives alongside classic French cuisine. Roasted duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or a mushroom risotto would all showcase the wine’s nuanced fruit and earthy character. Regional dishes, such as coq au vin or a simple boeuf bourguignon, will resonate beautifully with the wine’s flavours. For a local cheese board, opt for a creamy Époisses or a mild, earthy Comté.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally at 15-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour will allow its bouquet to open up and soften any youthful tannic edges. This bottle is likely approachable now but will also reward a few years of cellaring, as it gains further complexity and harmony.