Hospices of Nuits-Saint-Georges

Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges – Generosity, history and excellence in the heart of Burgundy

Domain name

Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges

Wine region

Côte de Nuits, Burgundy

Appellations and terroirs

The estate covers 12.4 hectares, primarily located on the slopes of Nuits-Saint-Georges, but also in the neighboring villages of Premeaux-Prissey, Vosne-Romanée, and Gevrey-Chambertin. It comprises eight parcels in the Nuits-Saint-Georges village appellation and nine in Premier Cru, including the renowned monopole "Les Didiers." In addition, there is a Gevrey-Chambertin village cuvée and a very rare Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Blanc. The vineyard boasts a wide diversity of exposures, altitudes, and soils (clay-limestone, marl, and gravel), allowing for a nuanced understanding of the terroirs and the expression of a complex and structured Pinot Noir that is both powerful and elegant.

Iconic grape varieties

Pinot Noir (red, majority of production) – Chardonnay (confidential quantities in Premier Cru white)

Philosophy and History

Founded in 1270, the Hospices of Nuits-Saint-Georges predate their famous neighbors in Beaune by nearly two centuries. Originally a simple leper colony, the establishment became a true hospital under the impetus of Antide Midan in 1689. Since then, its history has been intertwined with that of the vineyard, built up over the centuries through donations, bequests, and inheritances from local families. In 1633, Guillaume Labye purchased a house on the banks of the Meuzin River to establish the first modern hospice, soon followed by the construction of the Saint-Laurent Hall, still an iconic landmark today.

The Hospices de Nuits have always combined hospital care with vineyard management. In 2018, the opening of the new Saint-Laurent Hospital, partly financed by surpluses from the vineyard, demonstrates this synergy between wine and healthcare. Even today, the revenue generated by wine sales directly supports the hospital, which has been part of the Hospices Civils de Beaune since 2016.

Production specifics

The vineyard functions as a self-contained ecosystem within the hospital grounds. It is managed by Jean-Marc Moron, who meticulously oversees each plot. Four winemakers are employed year-round, supported by seasonal workers and around forty grape pickers during the harvest. Working in the vineyards is demanding, precise, and respectful of the natural balance.

The vinification of the 19 cuvées follows a rigorous protocol, adapted to the specific characteristics of each vineyard site. The Pinot Noir reveals, in turn, finesse, lusciousness, structure, and longevity. The renowned Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru monopole "Les Didiers" is distinguished by its concentration, complexity, and aging potential. A Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Blanc, an absolute rarity, completes this prestigious range. The estate sells its entire production each year at a charity auction held on the second Sunday of March following the harvest.

Recognitions

Less publicized than the Hospices de Beaune, the Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges nevertheless enjoys equal prestige among connoisseurs. Each vintage is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and professionals alike, who see in it an authentic expression of the Côte de Nuits terroir. The auction has become a key event on the Burgundy calendar, notably featuring the sale of the "Cuvée des Bienfaiteurs," dedicated to a public health cause. This charitable initiative further reinforces the estate's unique character and its commitment to humanist values.

The estate's wines, sold in barrels, are then aged by partner Burgundy houses, who handle the bottling. This step allows each wine to reveal its full potential, respecting the estate's original style: straightforwardness, intensity, and elegance.

Why choose a wine from the Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges?

• A hospital complex founded as early as 1270, steeped in 750 years of history
• A prestigious wine heritage: 19 wines including 9 Premier Crus and a monopoly
• A production centered on the intense and refined Pinot Noir of Nuits-Saint-Georges
• A strong charitable commitment: all proceeds donated to the hospital
• A rare, exclusive, and sought-after vintage of Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Blanc.

Discover the wines of the Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges and take part in a centuries-old adventure combining heritage, generosity and winemaking excellence.