Edouard Delaunay Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes Le Village

Maison Edouard Delaunay: A Legacy Reborn

Founded in 1893, Maison Edouard Delaunay stands as a testament to Burgundian winemaking tradition and innovation. Originally a key player in proliferating Burgundy wines globally, the house was revitalized in 2017 by Laurent Delaunay. With an oenologist’s precision, Laurent focuses on producing wines that emphasize elegance and precision, reflected in wines sourced from both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.

Today, Edouard Delaunay is renowned for its careful grape selection and meticulous vinification processes, ensuring every bottle captures the soul of its terroir.

The Splendor of Nuits-Saint-Georges

Nuits-Saint-Georges, nestled in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, is famed for producing full-bodied Pinot Noirs that balance rich fruit intensity with mineral complexity. The soils, primarily limestone mixed with clay and marl, imbue the wines with structure and depth.

This appellation’s wines are celebrated for their robustness and aging potential, often showcasing flavors that intertwine fruit, earth, and spice. Vieilles Vignes wines, in particular, boast grapes from vines over 45 years old, presenting a depth and complexity that is unattainable in younger plantations.

Vineyard and Terroir Insights

The “Vieilles Vignes Le Village” cuvée is crafted from grapes grown in three plots at the foot of the village’s slopes. These vines thrive in soils rich in limestone, clay, and marl, yielding fruit of exceptional concentration and character.

Old vines are a secret to complexity; these mature plants produce lower yields, yet offer richer, more nuanced fruit expressions, making each sip a revelation of taste.

Artful Winemaking

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir, the king of Burgundy grape varietals.
• Harvest: Rigorous hand-harvesting ensures only the best grapes are selected.
• Fermentation: Natural fermentation commences with indigenous yeasts, preserving the unique characteristics of the terroir.
• Maceration: Delicate extraction through controlled punch-downs and pump-overs helps to develop a structured and flavorful wine.
• Aging: 15-18 months in French oak barrels, with 30% new oak to add subtle spice without overpowering the fruit.

Tasting Profile

Deep garnet with a ruby hue, the wine captivates with its intense aromatics of cherry, black cherry, and forest fruits, layered with secondary notes of oak, vanilla, and earthiness. On the palate, it’s bold and dry with a rich profile of red and black berries, intertwined with a pronounced minerality. The finish is long, with a remarkable balance of subdued acidity and lively tannins.

Pairing Suggestions

Versatile in its pairing capabilities, this wine complements red meats, braised dishes, and mature cheeses. Its structure and fruit can elevate a tete-a-tete dinner or a gastronomic gathering.

Critical Acclaim

Lauded by critics for its combination of richness and finesse, Edouard Delaunay’s wines are recognized for their capacity to age gracefully. Decanter and others have noted the 2017 vintage for its intense perfume and firm structure, promising further evolution with time.

Why This Wine Stands Out

Edouard Delaunay Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes Le Village embodies the spirit of Burgundy’s prized terroir and the craftsmanship of a legendary winemaking family. Its balance of fruit, minerality, and structure makes it a distinguished choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.