Situation and Terroir
Grands Echézeaux is located in the commune of Flagey-Echezeaux on the Côte de Nuits in the Côte-d'Or department, between Vougeot and Vosne-Romanée. The vineyards are situated above the village of Flagey-Echezeaux, at the foot of the slope and at the outlet of a enclosed combe, which formed a small alluvial fan. The east-facing slope, which falls regularly, lies at an altitude of around 250 metres and has a gradient of roughly three to four percent.
Geologically, the site belongs to the Jurassic period. The clayey-limestone soils lie over Bajocian limestone, are usually shallow and contain carbonates and also contain small stones, clay and silt. Iron oxides give them a reddish colour; the limestone-rich subsoil ensures good drainage.
Climate
The area has a temperate oceanic climate with continental and southern influences. The annual rainfall is approximately 750 millimetres, and the average annual temperature is 10.5 °C. The Côte de Nuits is sheltered from the prevailing winds, which contributes to comparatively higher temperatures and less rainfall. Grands Echézeaux receives plenty of sunshine and is protected from morning mist as well as spring frosts.
Grape Variety and Wine Style
Grands Echézeaux is reserved exclusively for red wine. Pinot Noir is the most important grape variety. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris may be blended in as complementary varieties; their combined share is limited to 15 percent per parcel and may be used only as a mixed planting.
The wines show ruby-red to dark purple tones. Their aromatic profile includes fresh cherry, rose, violet, spices, animal notes, undergrowth and dried plum; as the wine ripens, notes of musk, leather, fur and mushrooms may also appear. On the palate, they are dense and mineral-driven, with a tight grain and supple yet still firm tannins.
History and Appellation Rules
Cistercian monks planted vines in the Echezeaux sector as early as the 13th century. In the Atlas of Cîteaux from 1718, the site is listed as Echezeaux bas; since the 19th century, the name Grands Echézeaux has been used. A ruling from 1925 set the geographic boundaries, and in 1937 the controlled designation of origin was recognised by decree.
Grands Echézeaux is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Grand Cru for still red wine. The yield regulation provides for 42 hectolitres per hectare; a maximum of 49 hectolitres per hectare is permitted. The vines must be planted at at least 9,000 plants per hectare; short training and simple Guyot pruning are permitted. The wines must mature for at least until 15 June of the year following the harvest.
