Dr. Lavalle listed this vineyard in his 1855 classifications as a "Tête de Cuvée", meaning one of the best of the commune.
Found in the small band of 1er Crus of Volnay, it benefits from well-drained, limestone-rich soil. Facing southeast allows the vines to benefit from the morning and early afternoon sunlight, and makes this as well an early ripening parcel.
2017 thankfully brought a large crop after the frost-affected 2016 vintage which cut yields by more than half, particularly in the whites. Despite the cold winter, there was an abrupt change in March when temperatures rose, sparking budburst and the inevitable threat of April frost damage. Preventative measures limited any significant damage. Flowering in May was successful under near-perfect conditions. Summer had a fine mixture of sun and rain and the grapes raced to maturity with harvest beginning for us on the 2nd of September with the final parcel, Corton Charlemagne, being harvested on September 10th. Sugars were good, generally in the mid 12.5% range and acidities well balanced. We employed a balance of remontage and pigeage for the first time in order to better manage extraction for the reds. For the whites, fermentation began in tank and moved to barrel after a couple of days of progress. Décuvage occurred almost 21 days after harvest and the fermentation temperatures behaved as expected. Malos for the whites were quick and done by Christmas and the reds finished by mid-May. The wines have ended up balanced and charming for the reds, with the whites classics – expressive with tension and long finishes. Yields were just over 40 hl/ha for the reds and 45 hl/ha for the whites. The reds remind us of 2000 and the whites of 2004.
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. The vines for this cuvée are on average 45 years old. This square shaped, "carré = Carelle”, vineyard is located just below the beautiful 16th century chapel of Volnay.
In order to fully appreciate the aromas it is best to serve this wine between 15-16°C / 59-61°F.
With it's elegant texture it is ideal to pair with white meats such as roasted fowl, stuffed quail with porcinis and foie gras, or veal confit. Perfect as well to enjoy with triple cream cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin or Chaource.
