From: Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: The 2018 vintage is elegantly aromatic, with generous perfumes of red berries like blackcurrant, raspberries, and Bing cherries, complemented by subtle hints of earthiness, baking spices, and a touch of sasparilla and light florals. The wine is soft and supple on the palate, with silky, smooth tannins that provide a refined texture. Despite its smoothness, it maintains good tension and balance, allowing the vibrant fruit flavors to shine.
Pairing: Classic pairings include Coq au Vin, where the wine’s soft tannins and bright fruit complement the rich, savory flavors, and Boeuf Bourguignon, where its earthy undertones and acidity cut through the richness of the slow-cooked beef. The wine’s freshness pairs beautifully with Escargots de Bourgogne, balancing the garlicky buttery notes. Its smooth texture is a natural fit for a Charcuterie Board with cured meats, pâtés, and aged cheeses.
For a more contemporary twist, the wine's bright cherry and berry notes enhance Peking Duck's sweet and savory flavors while its acidity balances the richness. The hints of baking spices and smooth tannins make it an excellent match for a Lamb Tagine with Apricots, complementing this Moroccan dish's warm spices and tender meat. It also pairs well with Miso-Glazed Salmon, where its balance of fruit and earthiness harmonizes with the umami-rich flavors, and with Vegetarian Lasagna with Roasted Vegetables, as the smooth tannins and berry notes elevate the flavors of the roasted vegetables, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
Miso Roasted Salmon
By Eric Kim
About. The earliest records of the Nudant family in Aloxe-Corton date back to 1453, when Guillaume Nudant, already cultivating vines, laid the foundation for a centuries-old legacy. Throughout the reigns of kings and the changing tides of history, the family’s dedication to viticulture remained unwavering.
In 1950, André Nudant began expanding the estate, a pivotal moment that marked the growth and modernization of the domaine. His son, Jean-René, joined him in 1978, bringing fresh energy and passion to the vineyards. Following in his footsteps, Jean- René’s son Guillaume became part of the family business 25 years later, ensuring that the torch continued to be passed from one generation to the next. Each generation of the Nudant family has the same vision: to make exceptional wine while preserving the land that nourishes their vines.
Domaine Nudant’s vineyards cover 16 hectares (39.5 acres) spread across the prestigious Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, renowned areas of Burgundy. The estate encompasses a diverse range of 17 appellations, from regional wines to village-level, 1er Crus, and Grands Crus. This diversity allows the domaine to showcase the unique expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that each plot of land offers.
The vineyards are situated on the gentle slopes of Burgundy, where the terroir is defined by its limestone-rich soils. These soils, coupled with the distinct microclimates of the Côte d'Or, play a crucial role in crafting wines of elegance, minerality, and complexity. The region benefits from a continental climate with warm summers and cool winters, which allows for a long, slow ripening period essential for developing nuanced flavors and balanced acidity in the wines.
Domaine Nudant’s approach to viticulture is deeply respectful of the environment. Their practices are based on creating harmony between the vines and the ecosystem. Spring
marks a busy season where various methods, such as "l'épamprage" (canopy management) and soil aeration, are employed to optimize vine health and regulate yields. In summer, canopy management continues with selective leaf thinning to promote airflow and reduce disease risk, especially in the more humid plots. They utilize "controlled viticulture methods," treating only when necessary and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, ensuring the health of the soil and surrounding environment.
Winter is a period of rest and renewal. Pruned canes are ground and returned to the soil, enriching it with natural organic compounds. Jean-René Nudant captures this philosophy well: "One hectare of vines produces less wood and less fruit than one hectare of forest. Have we ever seen anybody add fertilizer to a forest?" This belief in natural balance is reflected in every aspect of their winemaking, from vineyard to bottle.
Each generation at Domaine Nudant has brought innovations while remaining anchored to the family’s core values. The estate’s growth and modernization under André, Jean- René, and now Guillaume Nudant reflect a dedication to quality, sustainability, and an enduring respect for the land. With controlled yields, frequent plowing, and natural fertilization methods, they strive to maintain the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard site.
Ladoix-Serrigny is an appellation located at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. It is a small, picturesque village that serves as the gateway between the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, two of Burgundy's most prestigious wine- producing areas. The appellation includes village-level wines labeled as "Ladoix" and several vineyards classified as Premier Cru, which can be labeled as "Ladoix Premier Cru.”
Ladoix-Serrigny is situated at the foot of the famous Corton hill, sharing its borders with two well-known appellations: Aloxe-Corton to the south and Pernand-Vergelesses to the west. This strategic location gives the village access to some excellent vineyard sites, including parcels near or overlapping with the prestigious Corton Grand Cru and Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru vineyards.
These Ladoix-Serrigny wines tend to be lighter and more approachable than some of their more structured counterparts from nearby appellations like Aloxe-Corton.
Wine Notes: Sourced from the vineyards in the Ladoix-Serrigny appellation, located at the northern tip of the Côte de Beaune, near the famous hill of Corton. Ladoix is one of the lesser-known appellations in Burgundy. Yet, it produces wines that are gaining recognition for their quality and value, offering a style that bridges the finesse of the Côte de Beaune with some of the structure found in the Côte de Nuits.
These vineyards, located at the northern edge of the Côte de Beaune near the Côte de Nuits, have a unique southeast exposure. The vineyards cover 2.3 hectares, with 40- year-old Pinot Noir vines planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare on chalky clay subsoil at an altitude of 310 meters. Annual production is around 10,000 bottles; the wines can age for 4 to 6 years, depending on the vintage.
The winemaking process begins with hand-picked grapes that are 100% destemmed and sorted by hand. A cold pre-fermentation maceration lasts 12 to 20 days, using indigenous yeast for fermentation in concrete tanks over 10 to 15 days at temperatures ranging from 46-89°F. Malolactic fermentation occurs in oak barrels over 2-3 weeks at 57°F. SO2 is added during vinification and after malolactic fermentation. Maceration techniques include plunging, pump-over, and unballasting, followed by a light pneumatic press. The wines are then aged for 12 months, allowing for a refined balance of flavor and texture.