Albert Bichot Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru Chateau Gris 2017 | 18

Description Story Since 1831, The Bichot family has been at the forefront of Burgundy wines. Over the course of 6 generations, the house style has become more and more refined and distinct in elegance.With Albéric Bichot at the helm since 1996, the house has focused its future on quality, minimal intervention winemaking and organic farming. The embodiment of this approach resulted in their 6 domaines being fully organically certified since 2018, while receiving praise and awards on the quality of the wines.The Château Gris castle was built in the 18th century in the middle of its 3.5 ha (8.6 acre) walled vineyard. After the vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera, the roof of the castle was covered with grey slate although tiles are the traditional material used in Burgundy. The people of Nuits-Saint-Georges therefore began to refer to it as Château Gris (grey castle) and the name stuck. Further to a court ruling in the 1920s, the name “Château Gris” was allowed to prevail over the name of the place (lieu-dit) “Les Crots” where the vines are planted. The vines are planted on terraces that cling to the slope at an altitude of 280 metres. The plots of land at the foot of the castle produce Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru “Château Gris” red, while those at higher altitudes are planted with Chardonnay grapes and entitled to produce the white Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Terrasses”. Specifications Soil – Calcareous clay. Parcel size: 2.80 ha (6.9 acres). Situation: West of Nuits-Saint-Georges, on slope and terracesExposure: East, 280m on average. Average age of the vine: 35 yearsGrape Variety – 100% Pinot NoirVatting – Temperature-controlled conical oak vats. Vatting time: 3 weeks on averageAgeing – In oak barrels 100%. Ageing time: 12 to 15 months. Proportion of new barrels: 25% Tasting Notes Elegant and classy on the nose, this Premier Cru features aromas of black fruit with fine, delicate floral notes. On the palate, the body has a great deal of sucrosity but with beautiful structure, and well-integrated oak that does not overpower the fruit. Pleasing sensation of freshness on the finish.Food Pairing – This Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru “Château-Gris” is a fantastic wine to match with red meat, dishes in wine sauce, marinated game and aged cheeses.Serve between 16 and 17°C (60°F – 63°F). This wine is ready to drink or it may be laid down for 5 to 7 years or more. Critic Ratings Inside Burgundy – 92-94 pointsDense purple, definitely showing the plums qualities of Nuits-St-Georges. Pretty and perfumed graceful red fruit, almost some apple and orange zest, far from massive and the tannins are refined. A really stylish, elegant Nuits.Decanter – 94 pointsChâteau Gris is a special site in Nuits-St-Georges, perched in the hills above the town and producing both a white and red of some distinction. This floral, aromatic, 25% whole bunch-fermented Premier Cru is closer to a Beaune red in style, with sappy minerality, fine tannins and flavours of red cherry, pomegranate and aromatic spices underpinned by acidity. Drinking window 2024-2030.James Suckling – 93 pointsSuch beautiful perfumes of ripe strawberries, seaweed and smoke follow through to a full body that is compact and very tight with tension and linear texture that makes it very impressive for the appellation. Try after 2022.