Visit to Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont – Tasting the 2022s

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont – also known as Domaine Axelle Machard de Gramont – is one of my fixed annual tastings. I have said it many times: Axelle’s wines are truly honest. There’s no sales talk, rather a natural, organic view of each vintage. This is somewhat rare these days, when prices seem to be an increasing focus at many estates.

A bit of background on Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont is a relatively small estate originating from Nuits-Saint-Georges. It farms six hectares in total, located mainly in the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, but with plots in Vosne-Romanée and Vergy as well.

The domaine has family links with the Machard de Gramont estate in Premeaux-Prissey and the Chantal Lescure estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges. It was established in 1983 by Bertrand Machard de Gramont (Axelle’s father) when his family’s domaine was divided into three parts. Bertrand had until then worked at the family estate after a time at Domaine de Vogüé in Chambolle-Musigny, working under Alain Roumier, the old regisseur there.

Axelle Machard de Gramont returned to Burgundy in 2004 to take on the vigneronne challenge. She is now running the estate, with support from her dad.

An important vinification change via modified elevage

Axelle made an important change to the vinification – or rather the elevage – of her wines in 2018, by reducing the time they spend in oak, and instead continuing their maturation in stainless-steel tanks. In total, her wines spend 12-14 months in cask followed by six months in tank.

This does change their character: They appear more energetic and forwardly fruity. This technique was applied beginning in 2018, and has continued since, and while not a ground-breaking change, the wines have benefitted, showing a livelier mid-palate, which plays well into the organic style and image of the estate.

This is also the case with the vivid 2022s.

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont’s 2022s

The ’22s are fairly light, but somewhat fruitier than the ’21s. They are different, but picking a preference is difficult at the moment.

The 2022 is more of a show-off vintage, and will give much delight. Some modern Burgundy drinkers are becoming used to wines made in times of global warming, but this doesn’t necessarily make them representative.

Let’s taste!

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont Bourgogne Rouge Les Grands Chaillots 2022

The Bourgogne Rouge is made from a plot in Nuits-Saint-Georges below the road and Chaillots. Please note: This is not a village, it’s a regional wine. It is quite light-footed, and the airy 2022 vintage does not always show the best side of lesser wines. It’s delicate and perfumed, and extracted to the limit in my view. But fortunately only to the limit; not beyond.

(Drink from 2024) – Good (86p) – Tasted 09/11/2023 –

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Terrasses de Vallerots 2022

A signature wine for this estate, this comes from the terraces that can be seen from the RD974 between NSG and Premeaux-Prissey (see photo below). The 2022 Terrasses is quite a sexy wine; generous without being flabby. The extraction was perfectly judged, giving a perfumed, floral note. A summer wine, and it’s a delight.

(Drink from 2025) – Good+ – (87-88p) – Tasted 09/11/2023 –

Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vallerots 2022

Les Vallerots is a notch up from Les Terrasses concentration-wise, but still a light dancer. A floral and vivid wine, it is both delicate and perfumed. This is more harmonious than the Terrasses, but which do I prefer? Hmmm.

(Drink from 2028) – Very Good – (87-88p) – Tasted 09/11/2023 –

Tasting Notes for this producer

• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Vosne-Romanée 2015 July 23, 2017
• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Nuits-St-Georges Aux Allots 2015 July 23, 2017
• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Nuits-St-Georges Les Vallerots 2015 July 23, 2017
• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Nuits-St-Georges Les Terrasses de Vallerots 2015 July 23, 2017
• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Bourgogne Grands Chaillots 2015 July 23, 2017
• Domaine Bertrand Machard de Gramont, Aligote 2015 July 23, 2017

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