Hautes Cotes de Nuits – Dom. St. Saturnin de Vergy
Domaine Saint Saturnin de Vergy overlooks the Côte de Nuits to the west of Gevrey-Chambertin. The vineyards are located between 300 and 400 meters above sea level. The soil consists of limestone containing some marl and clay.
100% Pinot Noir grapes undergo traditional vinification in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats for 3 weeks. Cold pre-fermentation maceration is at around 8°C. Pigeage (breaking up the top layer of grape skins) and pumping over are used to extract colour and structure. Fermentation has a peak temperature around 30°C followed by post-fermentation maceration at 25°C.
Ageing on fine lees between 8 to 12 months with malolactic fermentation. A part of the wine is aged in oak barrels, 20% of which are new oak barrels, the others between 1-5 years old.
Light brick-red colour. Aromas of fresh red fruit (raspberry, cherry, blackcurrant) but also hints of mushrooms and roasted coffee. Raspberry flavours enhance the elegant palate; the tannins are soft and rounded, whilst the body has a firm and and precise structure. On the finish a little acidity and integrated tannins brings freshness and finesse, supporting the aromatic intensity.
Ideal for white meats, duck, lamb and grilled meats. Surprising good with sweet and sour or slightly spicy dishes (duck a’la orange). Moderately strong, classic French, cheeses: Camembert, Saint Paulin, Morbier, Reblochon.
Peak maturity in 3 years.
About the Producer
Domaine Saint Saturnin de Vergy
Domaine St Saturnin De Vergy was a fading estate until rescued by Maison François Martenot. Its 58ha are situated in the heart of the Haut Cotes de Nuits in the small village of Bevy.
Located in a prime site, the sunny hillsides west of the woods around Corton and above Gevrey-Chambertain it now grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The quality of the wines from vines with an average age of 35 years bear testament to its successful comeback.
With the vineyards at 300-400m, Bevy has a longer, though more random, ripening of grapes than the surrounding Cote – harvesting is often a week behind. High trained vines are used to protect the buds from the colder soils and spring frosts; the trellising and density of planting also differ from traditional low trained vines.
Bevy and the local market towns and villages had a close association with the historic House of Vergy, a great family that dates back to the middle ages. A chapel called the Church of Saint Saturnin de Vergy is now the only remaining ‘family’ monument, from which the estate takes its name.
