2022 Domaine Cruchandeau Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits 'Les Valançons' Rouge

30-year-old vines located a few kilometers from Nuits Saint Georges, on a steeply-sloping south-facing hillside at about 380 meters. Clay-limestone with very little topsoil. After manual harvest, the grapes are sorted by hand with 50% to 100% destemming, depending on the vintage. Cold maceration of about ten days with frequent punching down and pumping over. Aged for about 12 months on the lees in oak barrels (20% new).

Julien Cruchandeau, a passionate and former musician, seeks to elevate the oft-overlooked appellations of Burgundy, such as Bouzeron and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, while also showcasing more familiar villages. Low yields and non-intervention are the goal, maximizing the quality of these wines. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2011 and no chemical fertilizers are used. Natural techniques are practiced in the cellar, with hand-harvested grapes and indigenous yeasts. Julian's wines are aromatic, bright, fresh, and pretty, and have a clearly expressed sense of place.