François Martenot Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Pré Royal 2019

Burgundy from the hills above the Côte de Nuits The Hautes-Côtes de Nuits are the hills just behind the Côte de Nuits, the stretch of Burgundy that holds Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. These vineyards sit higher, at 300–400 metres, on limestone soils with some marl and clay. The altitude keeps the grapes cooler, so the wines show bright fruit and lively freshness. In warm years like 2019, critics say the Hautes-Côtes have made some of Burgundy’s best-value reds. Pré Royal is François Martenot’s Hautes-Côtes de Nuits cuvée: classic Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir at a gentle price. How it’s made The grapes are vinified the traditional way in temperature-controlled vats over about three weeks. A cold soak at around 8°C draws out colour and fruit before fermentation, with punching-down and pumping-over to build structure. The wine is then aged for 8–12 months, partly in oak barrels (20% new), which adds a touch of spice and roundness without masking the fruit. The 2019 vintage 2019 was a small but excellent year in Burgundy. Long, dry, sunny days and cool nights through late summer gave concentrated, ripe grapes. Decanter rates the 2019 Côte d’Or reds 4.5 out of 5 , describing them as refined and elegant without losing intensity, with smooth tannins. Tasting notes Colour: Ruby red. Nose: Fresh red fruit (raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant) with notes of liquorice and roasted coffee. Palate: Good body with round tannins and a firm, precise structure. Fresh acidity carries the fruit to a clean, elegant finish. Food pairing A versatile food wine: roast chicken, duck (try it with duck à l’orange), lamb, grilled meats, rabbit and lightly spiced dishes. With cheese, go for Camembert, Reblochon or Morbier. Serving Serve slightly cool at 14–16°C. In Nairobi, that’s about 20–30 minutes in the fridge. At seven years old it is fully mature, so this is the time to drink it. About Maison François Martenot The house’s roots go back to an estate in Savigny-lès-Beaune founded in 1859. Lucien Gustave Martenot bought it in July 1922 and turned it into a Burgundy wine house. Since 2015 it has been owned by the Helfrich family. Today the house farms around 270 hectares across 13 estates, all certified HVE 3 (France’s highest environmental certification) since 2021, with Premier and Grand Cru plots including Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots and Corton-Charlemagne. Order online for same-day delivery in Nairobi on orders placed before 2pm, or shipping across Kenya. Questions? WhatsApp us on 0718 003 302.