Nuits-Saint-Georges is a small commune known the world over. It's no surprise that wine lovers have been visiting these prestigious estates since the 4th century. At the head of the 5,000 Nuitons is Mayor Alain Cartron, and in the heart of the town, another house of excellence, liquor maker Joseph Cartron! Between the family estate and the distillery, which almost merge, it's Judith Cartron who takes the tour, representing the fifth generation since the estate was founded in 1882. The first woman in the line, she had more than just the legitimacy of a name to succeed her father in 2011 and run the company of fruit creams, liqueurs and eaux-de-vie. Burgundy is historically a region that harvests small fruits, such as blackcurrants and vine peaches," she explains. It has a complete production chain. Today, the cherry or raspberry business is much more difficult, but we have developed other varieties such as bergamot. "
Bergamot liqueur: a revelation for bartenders
While crème de cassis remains a classic, bergamot liqueur is one of Cartron's latest creations. This is yet another demonstration of Cartron's expertise in the richness and complexity of aromas, as well as the art of innovation of a house that launched the first Burgundy vermouths. Far from the clichés of a grandmother's digestif, bartenders the world over love it! This is our 39th reference," insists Judith Cartron. We're constantly innovating, because mixologists want new products all the time. Bergamot liqueur is a case in point; it's very much in vogue today, as a spritz for example, very fresh and perfect in summer. "
Distributed in 45 countries, exclusively through the networks of wine merchants and fine establishments, in 2023 the brand is staging the Unexpected Cartron Tour, an international cocktail creaation of cocktails, with a final at the Château du Clos de Vougeot and a top-notch jury - including New Yorker Christian Suzuki-Orellana, from " Drink Masters " on Netflix, and chef Philippe Etchebest for the pairing part! The winner, Sweden's Daniel Seehuusen, revisited the historic kir royal in a highly contemporary recipe.
Precious craftsmanship
Modernity is also a matter of traditional craftsmanship handed down for almost 150 years. Citrus, cocoa and coffee liqueurs are distilled in a traditional alembic called a poire à parfum. Cartron also wants to respect the impact of the vintage, when the fruit is more or less sweet depending on the year's climate. All batches are tasted daily, with a final blend on the palate. Aging then lasts from two to five years, between hot and cold, a natural thermal shock that retains the wine's aromatic potential. "It's the kind of craftsmanship Burgundy has always practiced," says Judith Cartron with satisfaction, as she gazes up into the attic of the house at the 1,200 dames-jeannes, beautiful 15- to 34-liter carboys patiently awaiting the moment of bottling.
This article is taken from the guide Bourgogne-Franche-Comté 2025. You can find it in bookshops or in our online store.
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A potentially interesting calculation, given the commercial visibility these awards bring. In the year following the award, sales of the vintage tend to increase by between 20% and 40%. A boon for the estate, event organizers and supermarkets alike.
All the more so as the medals are pouring in. In 2025, at the Concours Général Agricole, of the 12129 wines entered, 3361 were awarded medals, almost half of them gold. French legislation prohibits the awarding of more than a third of the samples presented. A quota with which most competitions flirt.
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