Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC Premier Cru Les Damodes 2023 Pierre Girardin

What kind of wine it is

Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Damodes by Pierre Girardin is a still red wine made from Pinot Noir, produced in the Nuits-Saint-Georges area near Vosne-Romanée. It features a structured and elegant style, clear fruit, well-defined tannins and freshness that sustains the tasting progression. Vinification takes place in cement vats and ageing in oak without fining or filtration, with the aim of achieving precision and aromatic purity, showcasing the character of the terroir.

Origin

Les Damodes is a small plot in the Côte de Nuits, close to Vosne-Romanée. The eastern exposure encourages even grape ripening and preserves freshness, while the limestone-sandy soils with pebbles and silt provide tannic finesse and fruit definition. Cultivation follows sustainable farming practices and low yields, which reinforce the cru’s identity and consistent quality.

How it is produced

Manual harvesting allows for careful selection of the grape bunches and reduces oxidation and breakage. After complete destemming, the must ferments in cement vats with skin maceration for about two weeks and daily pigeage; this keeps colour and tannin extraction under control. Ageing then takes place in oak barrels for about 15 months, without fining or filtration, to preserve aromatic integrity and texture.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it displays a deep purple color with violet nuances typical of young Pinot Noir. The nose presents red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, with subtle boisée notes and a hint of sweet spice from oak ageing. On the palate, it has a dense structure, soft tannins and freshness in harmony with substance, with a precise and lingering finish suggesting further evolution.

Food pairing

This wine pairs effortlessly with roast red meats, game, and aged cheeses thanks to its structure and tannins, which support the succulence of these dishes. In French cuisine, it goes particularly well with boeuf bourguignon, where the depth of Pinot Noir and its freshness lift the sauces. Also excellent with roast duck or oven-baked pigeon, typical dishes from Burgundy, and with well-aged hard cheeses.

When to serve

Ideal for convivial occasions where a characterful yet approachable red is desired, especially if opened ahead of time to soften the tannic texture. Serve at 16–18 °C in a large Pinot Noir glass to bring out its aromatic expression. Its structure, freshness, and oak ageing ensure it can be kept to develop complexity, with a preferred drinking window between 5 and 12 years after bottling, suitable for important meals or tastings dedicated to this cru.