Quite a bit of mystery surrounds this monopole vineyard, as it was only officially named in 1937, and was not mentioned in Dr. Lavalle's original classifications.
It seems that it might have been part of the Clos de la Bousse d'Or, which lies just to the north of it, but the date and reason why the two vineyards were separated by a wall is unclear. The back wall, which makes it an official clos, was erected at a much later date, likely around the same time as the naming of the vineyard. The vineyard is part of the larger lieu-dit 1er Cru Le Village, which also includes the Clos de la Bousse d'Or.
Another warm dry vintage, which appears to be the new normal. On the one hand yields were disappointing (i.e. 21 hl/ha for the reds and 30 hl/ha for the whites), but upon reflection with some frost in April, uneven flowering with a bit of coulure late May, strong oidium pressure in late June, and a canicule in late July which produced some échaudage in a couple of vineyards…well, maybe we should be thankful that we ended up with as much as we did! Picking started on September 9th and we finished all the reds by the 14th. Corton Charlemagne was picked on the 15th. All the reds came in at between 13.3% and 14.1% with the whites between 13.1% and 13.5%. We did have a bit more rain than 2018 and we ended up with better pH’s and higher levels of total acidity. Whole cluster was about 25% for almost every cuvée and new oak remains at about 25% as well. Vinification was similar to previous years with mostly rémontage augmented by pigeage towards the end. The 2018’s seemed at first a bit disjointed, which didn’t come together until assemblage. The 2019’s, however, have been delicious from the beginning. There is a good similarity to 2009, with a touch of the 2015 rusticity.”
The Volnay appellation is found mid-slope in the Côte de Beaune, with Pommard to the north and Meursault to the south. Although there are no Grands Crus here, Volnay's 30 Premiers Crus are unmatched. Always appreciated for their finesse and beautiful bouquet, Volnays are often regarded as being feminine.
This 1er Cru Monopole is one of the parcels that make up the appellation of Volnay 1er Cru "Le Village". The vineyard is 0.56 ha/ 1.4 acres, planted with 50 year old vines. The soil is primarily clayey limestone with white marl. In Burgundy the term "Clos" refers to a vineyard that is enclosed within a stone wall. The soil here is of limestone and marl, and is very distinct from that of the Clos de la Bousse d'Or. There the soil is much redder, and a meter lower - perhaps explaining the wall as a retainer, and the division of the two vineyards.
This is a fairly warm vineyard as it is quite small, with tall walls protecting it from cooling winds, and which reflect the sun's heat onto the vines. Such a microclimate generates early ripening and slightly lower acidities, yet here produces wine with elegance and good structure for aging. The organic and biodynamic practices being practiced here will also insure a lower pH.
In order to fully appreciate the aromas it is best to serve this wine between 15-16°C / 59-61°F.
An ideal pairing with lamb shank, duckling filet or sweetbreads with morels. Perfect as well to enjoy with triple cream cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin or Chaource.
