In 2007, the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Defence Union was recognized by the INAO as an ODG (Defence and Management Organisation). Its main role is to coordinate the work of the sector and to answer the technical, legal and communication questions relevant to the whole of the appellation.
The ODG's purpose
Made up of 20 elected members, the Board of Directors meets 8 times a year to discuss topics related to labour conditions and other topics included in the specifications.
It also takes part in various Inter-professional Commissions, of which an important part is devoted to the communication and promotion of Hautes-Côtes wines. This enables the vineyard to showcase its dynamism and enrich its current events with various events throughout the year, such as the Grands Jours de Bourgogne for professionals and in particular the Award of Excellence.
The award of excellence
For over 60 years, the “Award of Excellence” contest for Hautes-Côtes wines has been awarded to the best wines of the appellation. The laureates then have the honour of placing this medal on their award-winning vintage.
Even though it existed before the creation of the appellation, the “Award of Excellence” has become a real institution over the years. It is based on a precise tasting system: each wine is tasted by six different tasters, professionals and amateurs alike. Each of them gives a score out of 20 and the overall average must be greater than 13 for the wine to be awarded. Every year a hundred wines are tasted and 20 to 30 are awarded.