Domaine Machard de Gramont

This 20 hectare family estate is managed by Arnaud Machard de Gramont and his two sons Alban and Alexis. The cellars are located in Prissey, a neighbouring hamlet of Nuits-St-Georges. These cellars were built in the XIXth century. Their superb vaults give a "cathedral" effect to the winery. The 20 hectares of vineyards cover an impressive range of appellations spanning 50 kilometres, from Chenôve (south of Dijon) to Puligny-Montrachet (South of Beaune). This domaine is a great source of Burgundy at sensible prices. “Value for money” is not something that is often associated with the wines of the Core d’Or, however, we have dealt with this family domaine for many years for our commercial Burgundy needs – it offers more individuality than most negociants and consistently performs well. The family owns small parcels in several different appellations and manages to seduce the individual characteristics from each one. This estate now uses a blend of American and French oak, developing a unique style in the appellation of Nuits-St-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin and Pommard.

This is a very pretty, immediate Pinot Noir, showing lush sweet fruit and a charming, almost silky structure. On the nose it is perfumed and intense, the palate equally so, but with more sweetness and hints of Parma Violet, chocolate and some spice. Long finish. What a cracking wine!

Hand-picked, crushed and fermented in tank before transfer to a mixture of 2-4 year old Hungarian and French oak, some of them with American oak ends (unique - but in a good way!). Aged for 6-8 months before marrying back in tank prior to bottling.

Decanter, June 2023, “Value Burgundy: My 30 under £20” Andy Howard MW, 93 points: "From a 20ha family estate in Nuits-St-George, this Pinot Noir is one of just three allowed to use a named lieu-dit with the Bourgogne designation and future releases will be classified as Marsannay. Dark hue, with crisp, crunchy berry fruit, lots to enjoy on nose and palate. Lifted, floral aromas, a stony character on the finish. Elegant, with the ripeness of 2020 balanced by vibrant acidity, shows lots of dimensions and has plenty of time to evolve further.”