Region: Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: The 2022 St. Martin Monopole is expressive and finely structured, with notes of red cherry, crushed raspberry, and violet layered over hints of spice and stony minerality. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity make for a supple, balanced palate. It’s a graceful Pinot Noir that speaks to both the pedigree of the Gros family and the rising quality of the Hautes-Côtes.

Producer: Domaine Michel Gros represents a deep lineage of Burgundian winemaking. Michel is part of the esteemed Gros family of Vosne-Romanée, whose members have shaped Côte de Nuits viticulture for generations. After branching off from the family domaine in the 1990s, Michel established his own label, blending traditional practices with an attentive, terroir-driven philosophy. The St. Martin cuvée is particularly noteworthy as it hails from a monopole—a vineyard solely owned and farmed by the domaine—which allows for full control over farming and winemaking decisions. This site showcases the potential of the often-overlooked Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The St. Martin vineyard lies just west of Vosne-Romanée at higher elevation, where cooler temperatures and limestone-rich soils lend freshness and finesse to the fruit. Despite the elevation, the site benefits from full southern exposure, allowing for optimal ripening in recent warmer vintages. Michel Gros farms this monopole sustainably, with meticulous attention to canopy management and soil health. In the cellar, grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before aging in French oak barrels—about 30% new—for around 12 months. The approach is classic, emphasizing clarity and balance.