Wines Côte de Nuits Villages Domaine Petitot - Les Vignottes Vieille Vigne - 2022

Domaine Petitot’s Côte de Nuits Villages “Les Vignottes Vieille Vigne” 2022 is an evocative expression of Pinot Noir, drawn from older vines that confer a distinctive depth and concentration. This vintage is marked by the cool growing season typical of Burgundy, producing wines of refinement and purity. Fermentation and élevage here are attentive to tradition, with careful extraction to preserve nuance and gentle oak ageing that brings harmony without overshadowing the fruit. The nose reveals an interplay of redcurrant, raspberry, and wild cherry, nuanced by floral and lightly spicy undertones. On the palate, the wine is elegant and silky, presenting ripe berry fruit alongside earthy, savoury notes and a lick of minerality, underpinned by supple tannins and lively acidity, promising a graceful evolution over several years.

The Côte de Nuits is renowned as the heartland of some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noir. Characterised by its limestone-rich soils layered with marl and clay, this stretch of the northern Bourgogne benefits from a continental climate, with cold winters and warm, relatively dry summers. These climatic conditions help the grapes retain fresh acidity and encourage a gradual, nuanced ripening. The history of winemaking here spans back to the Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages, resulting in a patchwork of prized parcels and a deep respect for terroir that continues to shape the region’s identity. Côte de Nuits Villages appellation encompasses a handful of communes that provide excellent value, offering a taste of Côte d’Or sophistication at a more accessible level.

For food pairings, this wine’s finesse and savoury elegance make it ideal with classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or duck with cherry sauce, as well as roast guinea fowl or sautéed woodland mushrooms. It will also shine alongside earthy vegetable gratins or simply with a selection of mature cheeses like Epoisses or Comté.

To appreciate the full spectrum of its aromas and delicate structure, serve this Pinot Noir at 15-17°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can further enhance its expression, particularly while young, bringing out layers of fruit and subtle spice.