Domaine Jean Chauvenet is a perfect example of the Burgundian family-run holding; restricted area (10 hectares); numerous appellations (9 in this case); and a single grape variety (pinot noir). Together these make for red wines of incomparable texture, delicate and silky.

The domaine is run by Christophe Drag and his wife Christine who work to a single golden rule; respect for the expression of each terroir to yield a range of different wines. Since 1994 the domaine has turned to low-input cultivation which aims to minimise the use of chemical treatments, and is working towards certification.

Christophe’s wines differ in temperament according to whether they come from the north or south of the Nuits-St-Georges commune. The northern end, abutting Vosne-Romanee, produces delicate and feminine wines that could easily be confused with their neighbour across the border.

The wines from the south, such as Les Vaucrains, growing on rocky clays are more structured, denser, and have longer cellaring potential. All have black fruit and complexity. Only about 33% new oak is used on each premier cru and the wines are bottled without filtration or fining.