Les Procès

Les Procès sits within the commune of Nuits-Saint-Georges in the Côte de Nuits, one of Burgundy's most prestigious wine-producing zones. The vineyard faces due east, capturing the morning sun while avoiding afternoon heat extremes. This orientation, combined with the cool continental climate of the region, allows for a slow and even ripening cycle that preserves freshness and aromatic complexity in the finished wines. The site borders the well-known Pruliers Premier Cru, placing it in excellent company on the appellation map.

The soils of Les Procès are defined by deep marl, a calcareous clay mixture that provides both water retention and steady nutrient supply for the vines. Unlike some sites on the Côte de Nuits where rock intrudes heavily into the profile, Les Procès offers a relatively deep and workable soil with good natural drainage. This combination encourages vine roots to penetrate deeply, drawing on mineral reserves and producing wines with structure and persistence on the palate. The marl imparts the characteristic earthy richness and savory depth associated with the better Nuits-Saint-Georges Premiers Crus.

Les Procès produces medium-bodied Pinot Noir that sits comfortably in the elegant, balanced register of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The wines show the darker fruit character typical of the appellation, including black cherry, plum, and earthy, savory notes, all supported by firm but refined tannins and bright acidity. The deep marl contributes a mineral backbone that keeps the wines focused and ageworthy. While not as widely discussed as some neighboring Premiers Crus, Les Procès delivers genuine quality and finesse that rewards careful attention.

Maison Joseph Drouhin holds the largest share of Les Procès, owning nearly half the vineyard. Drouhin's négociant-eleveur model brings considerable resources and expertise to the site, and their bottling represents the most widely available expression of this Premier Cru. Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux and Domaine David Duband also produce notable wines from this vineyard, each bringing a distinct winemaking philosophy. Arnoux-Lachaux is known for long-lived, precise Pinot Noir, while Duband has built a strong reputation for consistent quality across multiple appellations in the Côte de Nuits.

• Maison Joseph Drouhin: largest single owner, approximately half the vineyard
• Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux: renowned for structured, age-worthy Burgundy
• Domaine David Duband: respected producer with a reliable track record across the Côte de Nuits