WinemakerBourgogne Numa Cornut

The vineyards of Numa Cornut in Bourgogne

The climate

Burgundy has a temperate climate influenced by the ocean and the continent, as well as by the proximity of the Saône River. This creates a cool and relatively dry climate, which presents both advantages and challenges for viticulture.

Cool climate: Burgundy has a temperate climate, but due to its northern location, it can be relatively cool, especially in the higher vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. This cool climate causes the grapes to ripen more slowly, resulting in wines with higher acidity and a beautiful balance between fruity aromas and minerality.

Microclimates: Within the Burgundy region, there are significant differences in microclimates. Numa Cornut’s vineyards are located in renowned appellations such as the Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Each of these appellations has its own specific microclimate that influences the character of the wines. For example, the Côte de Nuits is known for its cooler, slower-ripening conditions, producing wines with complexity and finesse, while the Côte de Beaune often yields wines that are richer and fuller, particularly in white wines.

Seasonal influences: The seasons play a crucial role in grape quality. Spring can be cold, summer moderately warm, and autumn dry and sunny, allowing optimal ripening of the grapes. However, Burgundy’s unpredictable weather—such as the risk of late frosts or rain during harvest—can pose challenges for winemakers.

Le terroir

The terroir is one of the most important factors that define the character of Numa Cornut’s wines. Burgundy’s terroir is a unique combination of soil, climate, and human influence (the winemakers).

Soils: Numa Cornut’s vineyards are located in prestigious appellations such as Meursault, Pommard, Volnay, Bligny-les-Beaunes, and Côtes de Nuits-Villages, each distinguished by different soil compositions. The soils in the Côte de Nuits are often rich in limestone, producing wines that express minerality and finesse. In the Côte de Beaune, the soil is rich in clay and limestone, resulting in wines with more body and structure.

Numa Cornut’s vineyards are planted on land primarily composed of rounded stones, which provide excellent drainage while retaining daytime heat during the night. This promotes gradual grape ripening and helps the wines achieve a harmonious balance of acidity and maturity.

Winegrowing in Bourgogne

Burgundy has a long history of wine production that dates back to Roman times, around 2,000 years ago. The Romans introduced viticulture to the region, and later, during the Middle Ages, the monks of Cluny and subsequently the Cistercians played a crucial role in refining winemaking techniques and developing the most renowned vineyards.

The region later became famous for its Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, classifications that originated in the Middle Ages and remain in effect to this day.