Henri Gouges Nuits Saint Georges “Clos des Porrets” 2021

Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges "Clos des Porrets" is a dry red wine, made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from the Premier Cru "Clos des Porrets" vineyard in the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation of Burgundy, France. This wine exemplifies the depth and complexity characteristic of Premier Cru Burgundy, with Domaine Henri Gouges renowned for their traditional winemaking techniques and commitment to expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. The "Clos des Porrets" vineyard is known for producing wines with excellent structure, aging potential, and a distinctive sense of place.

Domaine Henri Gouges is one of the most famous wineries in the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation. The Gouges family has owned vineyards in this region for many generations, but they took over the winery in 1919. In the 1920s, Henri Gouges, along with the Marquis d'Angerville, were some of the fiercest anti-cheating fighters in the Burgundy wine industry. In the 1930s, he took part in the survey of the vineyards of Burgundy and the development of the Cru classification on the instructions of the French Institute of National Origin and Quality. He was a member of this organization from the very beginning. Today the winery is run by the cousins ​​Pierre and Christian Gouges, the grandchildren of the first owner of the winery, but the next generation is gradually joining the work. No compromises are allowed here - Henri Gouges wines are created for long-term aging, and if they seem unconvincing in their youth - tant pis, there is nothing to be done. Two historical aspects should be noted. Firstly, Henri Gouge, the first owner of the winery, was the mayor of the commune of Nui-Saint-Georges at the time the decision was made to classify the vineyards. He advocated that the Grand Cru class not be awarded to local vineyards. This despite the fact that his vineyard Les St-Georges had the best chance of doing so. Secondly, it was during his time, due to a mutation, that some of the Pinot vines belonging to him began to give not a red, but a white grape called Pinot Gouges, which is today grown in the vineyard of Les Perrières of the winery. Other winemakers also received mutated bushes. The estate consists of 14.5 hectares - six vineyards of the 1er Cru class of the Nuits-St-Georges appellation. All harvested grapes are cleared from the ridges. Vinification takes place in cement vats and lasts approximately 15 days, depending on the conditions of the particular harvest year. After maceration, the wine is poured into small oak barrels, about a quarter of which are renewed annually. Before bottling, the wine is lightly filtered and clarified with egg white. The production volumes are small, so the demand always exceeds the supply, which makes it increasingly difficult to find wines from this winery.

Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges “Clos des Porrets” reveal a rich bouquet of black cherries, raspberries, and plums, complemented by floral notes of violet and hints of spice, tobacco, and earthy minerality. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied texture with firm, well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity, featuring flavors of dark berries, licorice, and a touch of truffle, leading to a long, elegant finish. This Pinot Noir is celebrated for its balance, intensity, and the harmonious integration of fruit, spice, and earthy elements.

Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges “Clos des Porrets” pairs beautifully with roasted game, beef tenderloin, or lamb chops, where its robust structure and layered flavors enhance the savory richness of the meat. It also complements mushroom-based dishes and aged cheeses, providing a luxurious and satisfying dining experience.