The complexity of the appellations and vineyards of Burgundy is almost endless. It’s as if someone said: Complexity is good, but impossible is even better. Then foreigners and journalists won’t comprehend it, and if they do, they can’t pronounce it!
16/10/2023
One of these complexities is Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Argillas, one of the most exciting – but also overlooked – 1ers crus of Nuits. It’s a small vineyard located north of the village on the border with the Serrée valley gorge that leads up to Meuilley.
Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Argillas
Aux Argillas is one of the overlooked gems of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
It is located on the northern side of the town just below the village lieu-dit Les Argillats. Confusing? Oh yes; somewhat.
The lieu-dit is only 1.8869 ha, and consists of 12 plots producing a limited amount of wine.
The name Aux Argillas is often confused with the neighbouring village lieu-dit Les Argillats, but other Nuits-Saint-Georges vineyards can cause confusion as well.
For example, there is NSG Les Argillières located in Premeaux, just above Domaine Prieure-Roch and the Premnord restaurant, and quite often confused with Aux Argillas.
Wines produced on Aux Argillas
As mentioned, this is a small 1er cru with only nine plots (see cadastre below, and note the difference in the spelling of Argillas).
Looking at Cellar Tracker, we find, among others, the following producers of Argillas: Jean Tardy, Méo-Camuzet Frère et Soeur (a negociant wine), and Phillip Pacalet are the largest producers; Pierre-Olivier Garcia normally makes one barrel per year.
The most prominent wine from this vineyard is now the negociant wine from Charles Lachaux, which is introducing top-end prices to this part of Nuits.
(Note: I use Cellar Tracker as a sampling tool, meaning it will often show most if not all of the wines produced from a terroir. It also shows, partly, the size of the individual production, meaning how large a share of the wines comes from the producer. This can give an indication, but not necessarily the full picture, as the number of vintages and other biases can influence the results significantly. But as a first glance, it can be used with some practice.)
The wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Argillas
Nuits Aux Argillas has a lovely mineral feel, and vivid acidity. With clay-limestone soil, on the surface there’s a layer of pebbles and clay on limestone bedrock. In general, the wine is mineral, elegant, and complex. Particularly, the vivid acidity is a strong point for this 1er cru thanks to the breeze from the Gorge de la Serrée and Meuilley.
Domaine Garcia Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Argillas 2022 is a brilliant wine from this 1er cru. It is clearly a bigger terroir than Les Herbues, and it gives a distinct impression of the vineyard with its good focus and minerality. White and pink flowers meld with some citrus notes. This is impressively focused, with lovely acidity. A gorgeous terroir.
(Drink from 2032) – Very Fine (93p) – Tasted 19/05/2023 – 
Philippe Pacalet Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Argillas 2022
Aux Argillas, just south of Aux Thorey, is a delightfully cool terroir offering tremendous energy and mineral vibrancy. The ripeness of 2022 adds to the hedonistic complexity of this cuvée, which is delicate and sensual.
(Drink from 2029) – Fine+ (92p) – tasted from cask 06/07/2023 –
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
- A vivacious wine for pure indulgance
- A Vin Vif - fresh, energetic and with a light appearance
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