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 lieu-dit sits at the far edge of Meloisey — the last parcel before the ridge drops into Nantoux, the next village. Andrew calls it the literal bout du monde — the end of the world.
The vines are cane-pruned using the guyot poussard system — a refinement of standard guyot that directs sap flow more efficiently to the shoots, reducing the risk of Esca and other wood diseases that are increasingly affecting Burgundy’s older vineyards.
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. 15 barrels made.
In April 2026, Eric Asimov featured this wine in The New York Times, calling it “a fresh, juicy red” that “will develop greater complexity with a few years of aging.”
Winemaker’s Note
”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 3000L oak tank with a further six months in stainless steel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
— Andrew Nielsen, Le Grappin
In the Press
”A fresh, juicy red that will develop greater complexity with a few years of aging.
— Eric Asimov, The New York Times
”Joyously fresh with oodles of fresh cherries and scented wild flowers. The tannins are superbly silky and gently defined, and there is a vivacity that seems to vibrate the glass itself."
— Christy Canterbury MW90 points
”Quite pale in colour but with a delicious perfume, cherry with a few strawberries, a little tension on the palate and certainly very long.
— Jasper Morris MW88 points / 4 stars
”Mid ruby. Very clear and bright. Red cherry and strawberry with zesty, lively acidity.
— Matthew Hayes, jancisrobinson.com17/20
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 and clay — studded with fossils · clay matrix retains moisture
Pruning: Guyot poussard — cane-pruned system favouring direct sap flow · helps mitigate Esca and other wood diseases
Harvest: Hand-harvested · whole cluster
Vinification: Whole cluster · concrete tank · CO2 cover · daily cap wetting with bucket · gentle crushing day 12 · basket-pressed day 13
Élevage: 12 months in 3000L oak tank · 6 months in stainless steel
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.
