Philippe Pacalet, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Blanc, Burgundy

An introduction to Philippe Pacalet, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Blanc, Burgundy

The Village level Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc by Philippe Pacalet is sourced from a small parcel of Pinot Blanc vines from a vineyard to the north of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The clay-limestone soil type of the parcel produces Pinot Blanc grapes of both fresh acidity and phenolic depth, accentuated by the beneficial south-easterly exposure of the site. Although Burgundian Pinot Blanc is far less common than Chardonnay or Aligote, it is not to me missed, and the best examples – Philippe Pacalet’s cuvée included – show fine weight in the mouth and floral, pear and honeysuckle notes that make them excellent accompaniments to a variety of foods.

Performance

Understanding Philippe Pacalet, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Blanc, Burgundy

The average age of the Pinot Blanc vines that comprise the Village level Nuits-Saint-Georges bottling by Phillipe Pacalet is 22 years old. They are farmed organically without the use of herbicides or pesticides. After hand-picking, the grapes are whole bunch pressed and fermented in neutral French oak foudres with native yeast. Subsequent elevage is conducted without sulphur dioxide and in the same vessel on gross-lees to lend weight and texture, and full malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. The wine is bottled without filtration. The result is a full-bodied and luscious Pinot Blanc, with aromas of pear, quince and chamomile, capable of gaining even greater opulence and finesse with five years or more of careful cellaring.

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