Based in the Côte de Nuits, in the heart of Nuits-Saint-Georges, Maison Edouard Delaunay takes its name from its founder, who established it in 1893. Success came quickly, and wines were soon distributed by leading merchants and served in prestigious settings, from the French Senate to, more impressively still, the Palais de l’Élysée.
Although over time the Maison lost some of its prestige, Laurent Delaunay, one of the founder’s descendants, took on the challenge of restoring it to its former glory in 2017. Under his direction, an impressive portfolio of twenty-five appellations is vinified, including nine grands crus and eight premiers crus from the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. Work in the winery is meticulous and guided by respect for the fruit, with the aim of avoiding excessive extraction to create refined wines that express their terroir and individual plots with clarity and finesse.

Nuits-Saint-Georges, where Maision Delaunay is based, holds a particular importance for the company. Wines from this iconic Burgundy appellation were prescribed to Louis XIV to help improve his health problems. The three parcels used to create this cuvée are situated at the bottom of the slope on soils made from a mix of limestone, clay and marl. This particular composition imparts finesse and minerality as well as power and structure to the wine. The Pinot Noir is harvested by hand, sorted and then destemmed. Natural yeasts spontaneously start the fermentation process after which the wine spends 15 to 18 months in oak barrels with 30% of them being new ones.
The dark wine possesses notes of liquorice and raspberries which lead to subtle spices, creating an expressive nose. Cherry stone flavours can be detected on the rich palate which is structured by velvety tannins and balanced by just the right amount of acidity. Mineral hints, that have an almost saltiness to them, mark the finish.