Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru „Aux Cras“ Vieilles Vignes AOC 2022

Wine description for Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru „Aux Cras“ Vieilles Vignes AOC 2022 by Bruno Clavelier

Character

Bruno Clavelier is among those winemakers in Nuits-Saint-Georges who work with restraint and precision. His wines from old vines in the Aux Cras vineyard site showcase the characteristic structure and depth of this Premier Cru parcel at the southern edge of the appellation. The 2022 vintage brings with it that clear fruit and freshness which distinguished the year despite climatic challenges. At 13.5% alcohol, the wine sits within classical dimensions – no heavyweight, but rather a Burgundian Pinot Noir with elegance and substance.

Terroir & Origin

The Aux Cras vineyard site lies on the eastern side of Nuits-Saint-Georges, where chalky soils with stony subsoil provide mineral tension. This Premier Cru parcel produces wines with firm tannin structure and pronounced character – less opulent than southerly vineyard sites, yet with greater depth. The old vines (Vieilles Vignes) bring additional concentration and complexity. The 2022 vintage was characterised in Burgundy by cool nights and a warm late summer, resulting in fully ripened grapes with retained acidity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir reveals its spicier, more earth-bound side in Nuits-Saint-Georges – less perfumed than in Chambolle, more powerful than in Volnay. Bruno Clavelier works traditionally with extended maceration and restrained use of oak, allowing the origin to speak for itself. The old vines with their deep roots naturally provide concentrated grapes with complex aromatic profile. The ageing typically takes place in barrels with moderate new oak content, so as not to mask the fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This structured Premier Cru calls for appropriate companions: Coq au Vin, braised beef cheeks or game birds harmonise beautifully. Equally, mature cheeses such as Époisses or Comté are excellent choices. The mineral component makes it an ideal partner for mushroom dishes and truffle. With appropriate cellaring, the wine will become even more complex over three to five years.