Côte d'Or • The Night Slope
Côte de Nuits
The spiritual home of Pinot Noir, where 24 Grand Crus produce the world's most coveted, complex, and age-worthy red wines
The Pinot Noir Paradise
A narrow 20-kilometer stretch of limestone escarpment that produces the most profound expressions of Pinot Noir on Earth
The Côte de Nuits represents the northern half of the Côte d'Or, stretching from Dijon to Corgoloin. Named the "Night Slope" (as opposed to the "Bone Slope" of Côte de Beaune), this narrow band of vineyards—barely 1.5 kilometers wide in places—contains the highest concentration of Grand Cru vineyards dedicated to red wine anywhere in the world.
Here, Pinot Noir achieves its apotheosis. The combination of Jurassic limestone and marl soils, east-southeast exposures, and continental climate creates wines of extraordinary complexity, structure, and longevity. From the muscular power of Gevrey-Chambertin to the ethereal elegance of Chambolle-Musigny, each village imparts a distinct personality while maintaining the signature Côte de Nuits traits: aromatic complexity, silky texture, and profound aging potential.
The region's Grand Crus—24 in total—represent the absolute pinnacle of Pinot Noir. Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Chambertin, and Richebourg are not merely wines; they are cultural touchstones, commanding prices that reflect their rarity and the obsessive devotion they inspire among collectors worldwide.
Key Facts
- Location: Northern Côte d'Or, Dijon to Corgoloin
- Length: ~20 kilometers
- Width: 200 meters to 1.5 kilometers
- Elevation: 250-350 meters
- Soil: Limestone, marl, and clay (Jurassic)
- Main Grape: Pinot Noir (95%+ of production)
- White Wine: Rare, mainly in Fixin and Corgoloin
From Monks to Modern Icons
How Cistercian precision and Burgundian nobility created the world's most revered Pinot Noir terroirs
Cistercian Arrival
The Cistercian monks of Cîteaux establish vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, meticulously studying soil differences and documenting vineyard plots—establishing the concept of climats.
Clos de Vougeot Founded
The Cistercians establish the 50-hectare Clos de Vougeot, the largest Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits, recognizing different sections produced consistently different wine qualities.
The Gamay Ban
Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, bans "disloyal Gamay" from the Côte d'Or, decreeing only Pinot Noir be planted. This edict shapes the region's exclusive focus on quality red wine.
Chambertin Royal Favor
King Louis XIV discovers Chambertin through his physician, who prescribes it as medicinal. The "King of Wines" gains international prestige, cementing Gevrey-Chambertin's reputation.
Prince of Conti Acquires Romanée
Louis François de Bourbon, Prince of Conti, acquires the vineyard of La Romanée, renaming it Romanée-Conti. He walls it off and refuses to sell even to the King, creating the world's first wine monopoly.
Dr. Lavalle's Classification
Dr. Jules Lavalle publishes his map of Côte d'Or vineyards, establishing the hierarchy that would become the basis for the Grand Cru system, with Côte de Nuits dominating the top tier.
AOC Grand Cru Status
The AOC system formally recognizes 24 Grand Crus in the Côte de Nuits, codifying the terroir hierarchy that had evolved over centuries of monastic and noble stewardship.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Reorganized
The modern DRC is established through the merger of holdings, creating the most famous wine estate in the world, with exclusive control of Romanée-Conti and La Tâche.
The Architecture of Greatness
Limestone, marl, and millennia of geological evolution create the perfect canvas for Pinot Noir
🪨 Jurassic Limestone
The bedrock dates to 150 million years ago. This limestone provides drainage and minerality, while varying clay content adds structure and power. The specific mix determines each climat's character.
⛰️ The Mid-Slope Advantage
Best vineyards sit between 250-350 meters elevation on gentle east-southeast slopes. This captures morning sun while avoiding harsh afternoon heat, ensuring slow, even ripening essential for Pinot Noir's complexity.
🌡️ Continental Climate
Cold winters, warm summers, and constant threat of spring frost create natural low yields. Climate change has shifted harvest earlier, challenging producers to maintain freshness while achieving ripeness.
📍 The Fault Line
A geological fault runs through the Côte, creating varied soil depths. Higher sites have thinner, rockier soils (finesse), while lower sites have deeper clays (power). This variation creates the mosaic of styles.
The Village Spectrum
| Village | Style | Grand Crus | Signature Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gevrey-Chambertin | Powerful, structured, masculine | 9 (Chambertin, Clos de Bèze, etc.) | Dark fruit, earth, game, longevity |
| Morey-Saint-Denis | Balanced, complete, spicy | 4 (Clos de la Roche, Clos St Denis, etc.) | Red and black fruit, forest floor |
| Chambolle-Musigny | Elegant, perfumed, feminine | 2 (Musigny, Bonnes-Mares) | Violets, red cherry, silk texture |
| Vougeot | Variable (large Grand Cru) | 1 (Clos de Vougeot) | Depends on location within Clos |
| Vosne-Romanée | Complex, sensual, spicy | 6 (Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Richebourg, etc.) | Exotic spice, velvet tannins, incense |
| Nuits-Saint-Georges | Muscular, earthy, solid | 0 (but excellent Premiers Crus) | Dark fruit, firm tannins, structure |
The 24 Grand Crus
The absolute pinnacle of Pinot Noir, each with distinct personality and extraordinary aging potential
Gevrey-Chambertin
- Chambertin: "King of Wines"—austere, structured, decades of aging
- Chambertin-Clos de Bèze: Slightly more elegant, perfumed
- Chapelle-Chambertin: Graceful, lighter, floral
- Charmes-Chambertin: Opulent, accessible, sweet fruit
- Mazis-Chambertin: Powerful, mineral, backward
- Ruchottes-Chambertin: Austere, mineral, linear
- Griotte-Chambertin: Rare, elegant, cherry pit
- Latricières-Chambertin: Earthy, game, structured
- Mazoyères-Chambertin: Similar to Charmes, rustic
Morey-Saint-Denis
- Clos de la Roche: Power and structure, dark fruit
- Clos Saint-Denis: Elegance, perfume, finesse
- Clos des Lambrays: Complete, balanced, spicy
- Clos de Tart: Monopole, dense, modern
- Bonnes-Mares: Shared with Chambolle—power meets elegance
Chambolle-Musigny
- Musigny: Sublime finesse, silk texture, violets
- Bonnes-Mares: Power and depth, iron-rich clay
Note: Musigny is one of only two Grand Crus permitted to produce white wine (from Chardonnay), though rarely done.
Vosne-Romanée
- Romanée-Conti: 1.8ha monopole, the most expensive wine on Earth
- La Tâche: DRC monopole, power and elegance
- Richebourg: Rich, robust, deep
- Romanée-Saint-Vivant: Delicate, floral, silky
- La Romanée: Smallest Grand Cru (0.85ha), rare
- Grands Echézeaux: Concentrated, profound
- Echézeaux: Large, variable, charming
Flagey-Échézeaux & Vougeot
- Grands Echézeaux: (Flagey) Concentrated, complex
- Echézeaux: (Flagey) 37ha, diverse expressions
- Clos de Vougeot: (Vougeot) 50ha, varies by location—top is finesse, bottom is power
Clos de Vougeot: Originally a single estate, now divided among 80+ owners, creating vast quality variation.
Village by Village
Understanding the distinct personalities of the Côte de Nuits' eight communes
Gevrey-Chambertin
The Powerhouse • 9 Grand Crus
The largest village in the Côte de Nuits and home to the most Grand Crus. Wines are known for their depth, structure, and dark fruit profiles. The "King of Wines," Chambertin, provides the backbone of the appellation's reputation—masculine, long-lived, and profound. Village wines can be rustic, but top premiers crus like Clos Saint-Jacques rival Grand Crus in quality.
Key Producers: Domaine Armand Rousseau, Domaine Fourrier, Domaine Dujac, Domaine Denis Mortet
Morey-Saint-Denis
The Balanced Middle • 4 Grand Crus
Sandwiched between Gevrey and Chambolle, Morey combines the power of the former with the elegance of the latter. Often undervalued compared to its neighbors, it offers some of Burgundy's best value in Grand Crus. The style is complete and balanced—neither too muscular nor too delicate—with spicy complexity and excellent aging potential.
Key Producers: Domaine Dujac, Domaine Ponsot, Domaine Hubert Lignier, Domaine des Lambrays
Chambolle-Musigny
The Elegant • 2 Grand Crus
Often described as the most "feminine" of the Côte de Nuits villages, Chambolle produces wines of extraordinary perfume and silkiness. The iron-rich red soils of Bonnes-Mares add power, while the limestone of Musigny creates ethereal elegance. Premiers crus like Les Amoureuses are nearly as coveted as Grand Crus.
Key Producers: Domaine Georges Roumier, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Domaine Ghislaine Barthod
Vosne-Romanée
The Jewel • 6 Grand Crus
The most celebrated village in Burgundy, home to Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, and Richebourg. Vosne wines combine sensual richness with structural precision—opulent but never heavy. The exotic spice character (often called "Vosne spice") and velvet tannins create wines of haunting complexity. Even village-level wines show exceptional quality.
Key Producers: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, Domaine Jean Grivot
Nuits-Saint-Georges
The Structured • 0 Grand Crus
Ironically, the village that gives the Côte de Nuits its name has no Grand Crus, though its best Premiers Crus (like Les Saint-Georges and Les Vaucrains) are of Grand Cru quality. The style is muscular and solid, with firm tannins and earthy dark fruit. Northern vineyards border Vosne and show more finesse; southern vineyards are more rustic.
Key Producers: Domaine Henri Gouges, Domaine Robert Chevillon, Domaine Faiveley, Domaine de l'Arlot
Fixin & Marsannay
The Northern Frontier • Value Hunting
North of Gevrey, these villages offer entry points to Côte de Nuits quality at lower prices. Fixin produces structured wines similar to Gevrey but with less refinement. Marsannay is the only village appellation permitted to produce red, white, and rosé. Both are seeing quality revolutions with young, ambitious producers.
Key Producers: Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet, Domaine Bruno Clair, Domaine Sylvain Pataille
Natural & Biodynamic Producers
Traditionalists and innovators farming with respect for terroir and minimal intervention
Legendary Estates
Rising Stars & Natural Specialists
Visiting the Côte de Nuits
A pilgrimage through the world's most hallowed Pinot Noir terroirs
🍷 Route des Grands Crus
The scenic D122 road winds through all the famous villages. Start in Dijon, pass through Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, and end in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Each kilometer offers views of legendary vineyards.
🏛️ Château du Clos de Vougeot
The historic Cistercian winery built in the 12th century. The four great wine presses still stand in the medieval cellar. Home to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Essential visit for understanding Burgundy's monastic wine history.
🍽️ Gastronomy
The region's hearty cuisine matches its wines: beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and Époisses cheese. Top restaurants include Le Clos du Cèdre in Gevrey, La Gentilhommière in Nuits-Saint-Georges, and the Michelin-starred Le Charlemagne in Pernand-Vergelesses.
3-Day Itinerary: The Grand Crus Trail
Day 1: Start in Gevrey-Chambertin. Visit Domaine Armand Rousseau or Fourrier. Lunch at Le Clos du Cèdre. Afternoon tasting in Morey-Saint-Denis at Domaine Dujac or Ponsot. Overnight in Gevrey.
Day 2: Morning in Chambolle-Musigny. Visit Domaine Georges Roumier. Continue to Vougeot to see Château du Clos de Vougeot. Afternoon in Vosne-Romanée (tastings by appointment only at top estates). Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vosne.
Day 3: Explore Nuits-Saint-Georges. Visit the Imaginarium wine museum. Taste at Domaine Henri Gouges or Faiveley. Afternoon in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits for contrast. Farewell dinner in Beaune.