# Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune (2022)

- **Producer:** Maison Nicolas Potel
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.6%
- **Average price:** €38
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, violet, liquorice, cedar

## About this wine

Maison Nicolas Potel was created in 1997 in Nuits-Saint-Georges by Nicolas Potel. The house established a strong reputation for terroir-driven Burgundy wines by building long-term relationships with dedicated local grape growers. Situated in the high-altitude slopes west of the Côte de Beaune at 290 to 485 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from cooler temperatures and extended ripening periods, creating wines with distinct freshness, minerality, and charm.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards sit up to 200 meters higher than the main Côte slopes, extending the ripening period and delaying harvest by about a week.
- Founded in 1997 by Nicolas Potel following the passing of his father Gérard, manager of the historic Domaine de la Pousse d'Or in Volnay.
- The terroir features complex Jurassic marl and limestone soils mixed with Triassic sandstone and clay.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity and fine-grained tannins of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune red wine cut through rich meats, savory reduction sauces, and creamy cheeses. Its vibrant red fruit flavors pair seamlessly with poultry, game, and earth-driven dishes without masking delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

Grapes are manually harvested from old vines across the Hautes-Côtes region. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, accompanied by gentle daily pump-overs and punch-downs for balanced extraction. The wine is matured for 6 to 12 months in traditional 228-liter Burgundian oak barrels, mostly neutral, to refine tannin structure while preserving vibrant fruit character.