Although Saint George is the patron saint of countries as diverse as England, Georgia, Ethiopia, or Catalonia, he has also left his mark on the vineyards of Burgundy. There, his name protects not only legends but also grapes.
One of the most emblematic vineyards of the AOC Nuits-Saint-Georges bears his name: "Les Saint-Georges". Naming a plot in such a manner was not a trivial decision; in the Middle Ages, it was almost a prayer for divine protection... and earthly prestige. So much so that this climat inspired the name of the entire town. Today, many believe that this Premier Cru should be recognised as the first Grand Cru of the appellation. But like the saint who gives it its name, it continues to fight for the place it deserves.
Among the great names working in this region is Domaine Lamarche, a family jewel since 1797. Situated between Vosne-Romanée and Vougeot, the domaine produces genuine treasures in the legendary Grand Cru La Grande Rue, a monopoly solely exploited by them, and in other Grand Crus like Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, and Grands-Échezeaux.
Since the tragic death of François Lamarche in 2013, the legacy rests in the hands of his daughter Nicole and her cousin Nathalie. Nicole brings the soul of the vineyard to the bottle; Nathalie, the helm of the winery. Since 2010, they have been working organically, and since 2018, the name on the labels is Nicole's. A new era, same roots.
An example of their work in Nuits-Saint-Georges is Domaine Lamarche Nuits-Saint-Georges Rouge. A red wine crafted from organically cultivated pinot noir and harvested by hand. In the winery, it is vinified with 80 to 100% destemming depending on the vintage. It ferments for 15 to 18 days in open oak vats and ages for 16 to 20 months in barrels, many of which are new.
The result is Domaine Lamarche Nuits-Saint-Georges Rouge, a red wine of impeccable balance, combining the tension, texture, and elegance characteristic of this noble appellation. A wine that, like the saint who lends his name to its appellation, does not need to impose itself to leave a mark because its strength lies in depth, not volume.