France · Burgundy

Domaine Henri Gouges

Domaine Henri Gouges is the historic champion of Nuits-Saint-Georges, a 14-hectare estate that pioneered domaine-bottling and single-vineyard winemaking in Burgundy. Henri Gouges (1889–1967), who built up the estate after World War I by acquiring multiple parcels at advantageous prices, was among the first vignerons in Burgundy to bottle and market his own wines rather than sell to négociants. Henri was also instrumental in drafting the Appellation Contrôlée regulations, served as Mayor of Nuits-Saint-Georges, and famously argued against Grand Cru status for Les Saint-Georges even though he was one of its major owners. Today the 14-hectare estate is entirely within Nuits-Saint-Georges, with seven Premier Cru parcels including the family monopole Clos des Porrets-Saint-Georges, and is led by fourth-generation cousins Grégory and Antoine Gouges. All vines are farmed organically, averaging 50 years of age with some plots approaching 90 years. At auction, top vintages of Les Saint-Georges and Les Vaucrains represent exceptional value compared to Grand Crus from the Côte de Nuits.