Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand Côte de Nuits-Villages 2021 (100ml)

Naudin-Ferrand is led by Claire Naudin, whose thoughtful, honest approach has earned her a loyal following. She works in the Hautes-Côtes but vinifies with the same care and seriousness as many grander addresses, farming sensitively and intervening as little as possible.

Claire refuses to chase trends, preferring wines that reflect the natural brightness and tension of her sites. Her cuvées often show a mix of precision and charm, underpinned by a philosophy that puts authenticity above everything else.

France’s wine story begins with Greek settlers, Roman farmers and medieval monasteries that shaped famous regions. It remains the benchmark for many of the world’s classic wine styles, built on a deep history of regional identity and an appellation system designed to protect it. AOC rules outline where grapes can be grown and how wines are made, giving structure to places such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône. Key grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah all find their most famous expressions here, alongside countless regional varieties.

From the driven whites of the Loire to the rich blends of the south, French wine is ultimately about clarity of origin and a commitment to balance, and modern France continues to evolve, combining precise regional traditions with a renewed focus on sustainability and site expression.

Burgundy is France’s most detailed and site-driven region. Stretching from the cool slopes of Chablis in the north down through the Côte d’Or to the Mâconnais in the south. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the foundations here, but the real story is how each village and vineyard expresses them differently. The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune form the region’s core, while areas like the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais add a broader mix of styles and accessibility.

Burgundy is defined by careful vineyard work, long-established classifications and a focus on clarity of place rather than heavy winemaking influence.