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.
Any optimism we had for a bounteous vintage for 2021 was dashed during les trois terribles of April 6, 7 and 8. With a wet May, strong mildew and oidium pressure flowed and we thought we were looking at another 2013 and we hadn’t had any hail…yet. But with two warm, sunny weeks in August (août fait le moût) our hopes for promising quality returned. Picking began on the 22nd of September and was finished by the 30th. Alcohols were all at about 12 degrees and we lightly chaptalized. We elected to vinify each appellation separately (apart from no Pommard 1er cru Grands Epenots at all) even though most quantities were just two barrels. (18 hl/ha for the reds and 27 hl/ha for the whites). However, we dramatically reduced whole cluster in order to better control temperature in the small vats. The maintenance of proper temperature meant that the total cuvaison duration was normal. Malo was delayed and so bottling for the reds was a few months later than typical. We found that this had the benefit of the wines putting extra weight while maintaining freshness. The results are a true delight for those who like classic ‘old style’ Burgundy. The reds remind us of 2000 (unfortunately with much less generosity!) and the whites like 2001 or 1993.
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.
