Presentation
An essential reference in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Henri Gouges is a family estate where six generations have succeeded each other. Specializing in the expression of Pinot Noir, it exploits 14 hectares, spread over 10 parcels classified as AOC, including 7 Premiers Crus and a prestigious monopoly: Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges. The estate is also famous for Pinot Gouges, a white mutation of Pinot Noir discovered in Clos des Porrets in 1936. Following the principles of Organic Agriculture, the vines are cultivated with great respect for the soil and biodiversity. In the cellar, vinifications are low-intervention, with infusion extraction, gentle pressing, and aging in French oak barrels (10 to 30% new wood). The estate's wines combine power and refinement, offering cuvées designed for long aging.
Location
The Les Perrières Premier Cru vineyard is located in the northern part of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, close to Vosne-Romanée, on a well-exposed slope. Planted mid to upper hillside at around 250 to 270 metres in altitude, it benefits from an east-facing exposure that provides gentle morning sunlight. This setting allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly while preserving freshness and balance. The site is known for its open, airy environment, ideal for producing precise and elegant white wines. This geographical position gives the wine a refined, mineral-driven expression that is rare within the appellation.
Terroir
The terroir of Les Perrières is dominated by very limestone-rich soils, shallow and stony, with marl and exposed bedrock. This structure ensures excellent drainage and naturally limits vine vigour. Roots penetrate deep into the limestone subsoil, contributing to the wine’s strong mineral character and aromatic purity. This demanding terroir produces wines that are linear, focused and expressive. The hallmark of Les Perrières is its natural tension, length on the palate and remarkable precision, making it particularly well suited to Chardonnay.
In the vineyard
Domaine Henri Gouges manages its vineyards with great respect for the environment, using regular soil cultivation and avoiding chemical herbicides. Vineyard practices aim to preserve microbial life and maintain natural balance within the soils. Treatments are kept to a minimum and applied only when necessary, depending on vintage conditions. Particular attention is paid to vine health and yield control. This disciplined approach results in healthy, well-balanced grapes that faithfully express their terroir while supporting a sustainable viticultural philosophy.
Harvest
Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with careful sorting directly in the vineyard. Grapes are picked at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness, tension and aromatic clarity. They are quickly transported to the winery to avoid oxidation. This precise harvest timing is essential to capturing the purity of Chardonnay on this demanding limestone site. Manual harvesting ensures a strict selection and outstanding quality of the fruit.
Winemaking
Vinification begins with gentle whole-bunch pressing, followed by light settling. Fermentation takes place mainly in oak barrels using indigenous yeasts.
Ageing
The wine is then aged for around 12 months on fine lees, with moderate use of oak to preserve the identity of the terroir. A short period of ageing in tank helps refine balance before bottling. This careful vinification highlights the minerality, freshness and complexity of Les Perrières without masking its character.
Varietal
Pinot blanc : 100%
Specifications
Age of vines : 80 years old
Serving
Serve between 14°-15°C
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Perrières Blanc shows a pale golden colour. The nose is elegant and complex, revealing aromas of white flowers, citrus, fresh pear and flinty notes. On the palate, the wine is linear and vibrant, supported by bright acidity and a fine, textured mouthfeel. Minerality drives the long, focused finish, adding depth and persistence. The wine is well balanced, refined and age-worthy, while already offering great pleasure in its youth.
Food pairings
This gastronomic white wine pairs beautifully with roast chicken in a light cream and herb sauce, pan-seared pike-perch with lemon butter, or a cooked pressed cheese such as aged Comté. It also complements refined vegetarian dishes like asparagus and parmesan risotto. For a sweet pairing, try it with a thin apple tart or citrus-poached pear. Its tension, precision and aromatic depth make it an excellent companion for delicate, elegant dishes.