The Côte de Nuits and the Sun King: A Royal Prescription
- Jean cesar de leusse
- Jul 7
- 1 min read
In the 17th century, Burgundy’s wine industry reached a turning point thanks to an unusual medical prescription. In 1693, Guy-Crescent Fagon, chief physician to Louis XIV, prescribed wine from Nuits-Saint-Georges to the monarch to improve his health. Fagon, a renowned botanist as well, believed that this wine, produced in the Côte de Nuits, possessed superior therapeutic qualities. He described Burgundy wine as having a “velvety softness” that “gently touches the tongue and soothes the nerves,” thereby aiding digestion without haste.
This prescription, famously known as “Fagon’s Ordinance,” marked a rejection of champagne, which was considered too acidic and less beneficial.
The royal recommendation thrust the wines of the Côte de Nuits—particularly those from Nuits-Saint-Georges—into the spotlight. The region’s winemakers seized the opportunity to promote their vintages, thereby strengthening their reputation.
The influence of this ordinance extended beyond the royal court. It sparked a controversy between supporters of Burgundy wines and those of champagne. Pamphlets and medical theses were published, each extolling the virtues of their preferred wine. This rivalry contributed to the growth of Burgundy’s wine industry and helped solidify its reputation.
Today, the Côte de Nuits is celebrated for its prestigious grands crus, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges.
This historical anecdote shows how a medical decision once helped shape the perception and renown of an entire wine-producing region.
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