Domaine of theArlot : elegance and refinement of Nuits-Saint-Georges

A few hundred meters south of Nuits-Saint-Georges, in Prémeaux-Prissey, the Domaine of theArlot embodies the subtle balance between Burgundian heritage and contemporary viticulture. This clos monumental, erected in the 18th century, is today cultivated biodynamically and enhanced under the governance d'AXA Millésimes. With the technical direction of Géraldine Godot, THE domaine produces wines of high expression, a faithful reflection of their terroir, and recognized among the noblest of Burgundy.

History of domaine

Origins and foundation of clos

The original structure of the domaine took shape at the end of the 18th century thanks to Jean-Charles Vienot, which surrounds the future with walls Clos of theArlot, thus laying the foundations for a remarkable wine estate.

The rise under Jules Belin

In 1891, Jules Belin acquires the property and adds to it the Clos Saint-Georges Forests and the Clos of the Hat, forming the base of the domaine that we know today.

The AXA Millésimes Era

Taken over by AXA Vintages in 1987, the domaine it then acquired prestigious plots of land in Vosne-Romanée (Les Suchots, Romanée-Saint-Vivant). Jean-Pierre de Smet he led it for almost twenty years.

Current Governance

Since 2014, Géraldine Godot, oenologist and microbiologist originally from Burgundy, technically directs the domaine under the authority of Christian Seely. Today, she embodies the spirit of precision and finesse of domaine.

Presentation of the vineyard of domaine

Organic and biodynamic viticulture

Engaged in a organic farming Since 2000 (AB certification obtained in 2014), the domaine adopted biodynamic practices from 2003: respect for natural cycles, careful observation and targeted interventions to allow the terroir to fully express itself.

Iconic plots

THE domaine includes two major monopolies:

• Clos Saint Georges Forests (7.2 ha): a single unit of terroir, planted exclusively with Pinot Noir on varied soils (Ladoix limestone, Premeaux limestone, white oolites and ochre silts).

• Clos of theArlot (2 ha): located in a former quarry, forming a natural amphitheater, with marl and limestone soils and older vines dedicated to la cuvée Premier Cru.

Yields and climat local

THE Clos Forests achieves yields around 40–43 hl/ha (2022: ~40 hl/ha) and benefits from exposures appreciated with a balanced maturity, which preserves the acidity and freshness of the fruit.

Winemaking and aging at domaine

Hand-harvested and double sorted

The grapes are harvested by hand, sorted in the vineyard and again upon arrival at the winery, to ensure only the healthiest grapes are retained. Every effort is made to preserve the integrity of the berries during gravity-fed transfers.

Pre-fermentation maceration and natural fermentation

The grapes undergo cold maceration (14°C for about 5 days), then spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks (17 days depending on the vintage), with manual punch-downs and very limited pump-overs to guarantee finesse and pure expression of the fruit.

Aged in barrels and bottled

The red wine is aged for 16 months in 228-liter French oak barrels, approximately 40% of which are new. After 1.5 months in tanks, it is bottled between the end of March and April 2025, depending on rigorous tastings conducted in the winery.

Highlighting: Clos Saint Georges Forests Monopole, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru (2022 vintage)

Technical specifications

• Assembly : 100% Pinot Noir, from the monopole Clos Saint Georges Forests.

• Grape harvest : from September 6 to 12, 2022; yield ~40 hl/ha.

• Winemaking : rigorous sorting, cold maceration ~5 days, natural fermentation for 17 days.

• Livestock farming : 16 months in French oak barrels (40% new), then 1.5 months in vat; bottled from March 24 to 27, 2025.

Tasting notes & aging potential

• Dress : intense, dark ruby robe with a unified and dense palate.

• Nose : rich, complex; ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), warm stone mineral notes, hints of licorice, leather and faded rose.

• Mouth Tight structure, firm yet silky tannins, balanced tension and finesse, peppery and spicy finish. Aging potential of two decades, with already showing excellent development from 2026–2050 according to critics (scores 94–97 points).

Recommended food and wine pairings

This powerful and refined Nuits-Saint-Georges pairs perfectly with grilled rib-eye steak, spiced duck breast, rack of lamb, or wild partridge. Mature cheeses (farmhouse Reblochon, Soumaintrain, Morbier) elegantly complement this tasting experience.

THE Domaine of theArlot represents exceptional viticulture in Côte de Nuits : clos Preserved historical features, respectful winemaking, precise aging, a committed biodynamic approach, and innovative female leadership. Clos Saint Georges Forests 2022 perfectly illustrates this identity: a dense, structured, elegant wine, already appreciated by critics and destined for a beautiful evolution in the cellar.