Story #4 - A Study in Contrast
March 19th, 2025 | Alexander Mackh, Co-Founder of Amelie
Burgundy is a region where every detail matters. The soil, the slope, the climate—each plays a role in shaping the character of its wines. At the heart of this complexity is Pinot Noir, a grape that thrives on precision and transparency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Côte de Nuits, where Pinot Noir is at its most expressive. Within this small stretch of land, two villages stand apart: Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Though they share the same grape, the wines could not be more different.
The difference starts beneath the surface. Chambolle-Musigny is built on light, chalky limestone, which drains well and allows the vines to work hard for nutrients. This results in wines that are known for their finesse and aromatic purity. Nuits-Saint-Georges, by contrast, has a mix of limestone, clay, and marl. The higher clay content retains more water, giving the wines more structure, depth, and power. These soil variations influence how the vines grow and, ultimately, how the wines taste.
Climate also plays a role. Chambolle-Musigny is slightly more protected, with a gentle slope that ensures consistent sun exposure and moderate temperatures. This allows for steady ripening and balance in the grapes. Nuits-Saint-Georges, however, has more variation. Some vineyards sit higher up, where cooler temperatures slow ripening and increase acidity. Others are influenced by dry valleys, or combes, which bring in colder air and contribute to greater temperature swings. These differences create a broader range of styles within the village, from firm and structured to rich and concentrated.
While nature provides the foundation, the winemaker’s choices shape the final expression. Some producers work with whole bunch fermentation, while others destem completely. Some favor aging in new oak, while others prefer neutral barrels. The length of maceration, the type of fermentation vessel, and the approach to extraction all influence the final wine. While many winemakers say they simply let the terroir speak, the reality is that their choices leave a lasting impact.
Burgundy is often thought of as a place defined by its classification system, dividing vineyards into village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru levels. Chambolle-Musigny is home to the Musigny Grand Cru, while Nuits-Saint-Georges has no Grand Cru vineyards, though some believe that sites like Les Saint-Georges deserve the status. Yet, beyond these labels, what truly matters is the identity of each wine.
Despite their differences, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny share a common purpose: to express Pinot Noir in its most transparent form. Chambolle’s wines are shaped by limestone, moderate temperatures, and precise vineyard work. Nuits’ wines, with their diverse soils and shifting climates, often show more structure and power. But no matter where the wine comes from, every bottle tells a story of place, climate, and the people who bring it to life.