Les Poulettes

Les Poulettes sits within a small valley with terraces on the northern edge of the Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru zone. At 270-295 metres above sea level, it ranks among the more elevated Premier Crus in the appellation. The vineyard benefits from a nominally southern aspect, which is relatively unusual in the predominantly east-facing Côte d'Or, and proximity to limestone cliffs further encourages warmth accumulation and early ripening. The name most likely derives from the French word 'poulette', meaning chick, suggesting a historical connection to a chicken coop or poultry breeding on the site.

• Located in a small terraced valley within the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation
• Southern aspect sets it apart from the typical east-facing orientation of the Côte d'Or
• Limestone cliffs nearby contribute to reflected warmth and enhanced ripening
• Also known as Clos des Poulettes under certain producers

The soils at Les Poulettes are shallow and well-drained brown limestone, rich in calcareous debris and studded with abundant white oolite pebbles. This lean, stony profile forces vine roots deep in search of moisture and nutrients, concentrating flavour in the resulting fruit. The cool Burgundian climate prevails across the site, but the southern exposure accelerates phenolic ripening relative to neighbouring vineyards. As a result, harvest at Les Poulettes frequently begins earlier than at many of its peers within the appellation.

• Brown limestone base with high concentration of white oolite pebbles
• Shallow, well-drained profile limits vine vigour and concentrates flavour
• Rich in calcareous debris, supporting acidity retention in the fruit
• Southern aspect gives earlier phenolic ripeness versus the appellation average

Les Poulettes produces red wines that combine elegance with genuine substance. The wines show a slender, defined structure supported by fine-grained tannins rather than the broad, muscular frame associated with some southern Nuits-Saint-Georges Premiers Crus. Aromatically, expect cherry, cassis, wild bramble, and small black fruits alongside spicy nuances, with secondary complexity from licorice, coffee, and fresh leather. The southern aspect and limestone soils together deliver roundness and length without sacrificing the cool-climate precision that defines fine Burgundy.

• Fine-grained tannins give the wines a slender, precise structure
• Fruit profile spans cassis, cherry, wild bramble, and green pear
• Spice, licorice, coffee, and fresh leather add complexity
• Power and roundness balance the inherent cool-climate elegance

Despite its compact 2.4-hectare footprint, Les Poulettes is represented by several committed producers. Domaine du Clos des Poulettes focuses specifically on this site and releases the vineyard under the Clos des Poulettes name. Bouchard Père and Fils, one of Burgundy's most historically significant negociant houses, also holds a parcel. Maison Edouard Delaunay and Domaine Gavignet Béthanie complete the roster of notable producers, each offering a distinct interpretation of the vineyard's limestone-driven character.

• Domaine du Clos des Poulettes: estate-focused producer bottling the site under its alternate name
• Bouchard Père and Fils: major Burgundy negociant with a parcel in the vineyard
• Maison Edouard Delaunay: respected Nuits-Saint-Georges producer
• Domaine Gavignet Béthanie: family domaine with holdings in the Côte de Nuits