Maison Albert Bichot, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Monopole, Château Gris 2018

The Chateau Gris castle was built in the 18th century in the middle of its 3.5 ha (8.6 acre) walled vineyard. After the vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera, the roof of the castle was covered with grey slate although tiles are the traditional material used in Burgundy. The people of Nuits-Saint-Georges therefore began to refer to it as Château Gris (grey castle) and the name stuck. Further to a court ruling in the 1920s, the name “Chateau Gris” was allowed to prevail over the name of the place (lieu-dit) "Les Crots" where the vines are planted. The vines are planted on terraces that cling to the slope at an altitude of 280 metres. The plots of land at the foot of the castle produce Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru “Château Gris” red, while those at higher altitudes are planted with Chardonnay grapes and entitled to produce the white Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Terrasses”.