Description
The Wine
The Hautes Côtes de Beaune sits on the high ground directly behind the famous Côte de Beaune villages — at elevations where the climate is cooler and the growing season longer. Aux Grandes Raies is the specific lieu-dit Andrew Nielsen sources from — a named site with southeast exposure, 40-year-old vines planted in a limestone marl studded with fossils.
The winemaking is straightforward and precise. Hand-harvested, placed as whole clusters in a concrete tank for a native fermentation. Basket-pressed after 13 days. Aged 12 months in a large oak vat, then a further six months in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 15 barrels made.
In April 2026, Eric Asimov featured this wine in The New York Times article “The Budget Side of Burgundy” — calling it “a fresh, juicy red” that “will develop greater complexity with a few years of aging” and naming it one of twelve wines worthy of the Bargain Burgundy designation. At its price, that assessment is easy to understand.
Winemaker’s Note — Andrew Nielsen, Le Grappin
“From the vineyard of ‘Aux Grandes Raies’, 40-year-old southeast-facing vines planted in a limestone marl, studded with fossils. Hand-harvested and placed as whole clusters in a concrete tank for a native fermentation. Basket-pressed after 13 days then aged for 12 months in a large oak vat with a further six months in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
Vineyard & Vintage Details
Producer: Le Grappin
Appellation: Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC
Lieu-dit: Aux Grandes Raies
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vine age: 40 years
Aspect: Southeast-facing
Soils: Limestone marl with fossils
Harvest: Hand-harvested · whole cluster
Vinification: Concrete tank · native fermentation · basket-pressed day 13
Élevage: 12 months large oak vat · 6 months stainless steel
Fining / Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
Production: 15 barrels
Format: 750ml
Tasting Notes
Red cherry, raspberry, a hint of violet, fine chalky mineral tannins. The whole-cluster fermentation gives lift and a savoury edge. The limestone terroir keeps the wine tense and focused. Fresh, juicy, and immediately engaging — with the structure to develop over three to five years. Drink now through 2030.
Service: 16°C. Duck breast, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, aged soft cheeses.
2023 Vintage Note
2023 was a generous and expressive vintage across Burgundy — elegant Pinot Noir with supple structure and good natural acidity. For an elevated site in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, where cooler temperatures and limestone soils are a natural asset, the vintage delivered wines of real precision alongside the characteristic roundness of the year.
Andrew and Emma Nielsen founded Le Grappin in 2011. They source from the same organically farmed single parcels every year, work without additions, and bottle everything by hand. Named one of The 10 Best Unsung Burgundy Producers by Wine-Searcher.
