2008 Jean Grivot Nuits-St.-Georges Les Boudots

Domaine Jean Grivot is a 42-acre domaine in Clos de Vougeot, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. The Grivot family has been growing grapes and producing wine in the area since the 17th century. Today the estate is run by Etienne Grivot who worked in viticulture in California and other regions of France before taking over the estate. Domaine Jean Grivot has Grand Cru parcels in Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, and Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanee and Nuits-Saints-Georges. Clive Coates describes the estate as “one of the great domaines of Burgundy. Everything is done in the vineyard with respect for the quality and life of the soil.”

Aux Boudots is a 15.8-acre Premier Cru vineyard in the appellation of Nuits-Saints-Georges, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. Located at the northern end of Nuits-Saints-Georges, the vineyard is just across the appellation division from Vosne-Romanee’s Premier Cru Les Malconsorts. Because there are no Grand Cru vineyards in Nuits-Saints-Georges, the appellation’s considerable reputation rests on its excellent Premier Crus. Aux Boudot is 250-290 meters above sea level, a near ideal elevation, and the soil is limestone, gravel and clay. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that Aux Boudot “is altogether more Vosne in character than Nuits.”

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.