DE VOUGEOT GRAND 2011

Varietal

100%

Origins

Clos de Vougeot is and will always be much more than just a wine. This appellation is a the standard bearer, the emblem of the whole Côte d' Or... The measurements of this vineyard alone are enough to make it exceptional with over 50 ha of Grand Cru vines. This walled vineyard or “clos” once belonged to the monks from the Citeaux Abbey. The clos slopes up from the main road, extending up to the base of the butte. Altitude is of no great importance here, varying from 240 to 270 metres. The soil in the upper part of the clos is a mix of clay and brown gravel soil, the middle part is also very stony on top. In the lower part of the vineyard, the soil deepens and becomes more and more clayey which lends firmer structure to the wines.

Vineyard selection and management

This plot is located in the middle of the Clos de Vougeot (on the Vosne-Romanée side). What makes these vines unique is their great age (approximately 60 years old) and the fact that they naturally produce fewer grapes. These grapes grow in very small bunches and their skin is very thick which is a guarantee of the future wine's concentration. The vine-growing techniques used here are also very particular: limited yields due to severe de-budding, green harvest if needed, working of the soil, absence of fertilizers, environmentally friendly pest management, respecting beneficial wildlife.

Vinification and maturing

The grapes are harvested at optimum maturity. They are sorted a first time in the vineyard where they are harvested in small, perforated boxes. Upon arrival in the winery, they are sorted through a second time by a team of 10 people. Next, the grapes are completely de-stemmed but not crushed (they are left whole) and are gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasts approximately three weeks with punching of the cap as needed. No additives such as yeast, enzymes or tannins are used so as not to detract from such a precious terroir. The wine is barrel-aged (no new barrels) for 15 months without racking. Finally, the wine, which was neither filtered nor fined, is gravity-fed into bottles.

Tasting notes

Visual: intense colour with tinges of garnet. Nose: black fruit and a touch of oak. Palate: silky tannins give robust structure.

Food and wine pairing

Game birds or game animals, Epoisses cheese, sirloin or rib of beef, roast beef

Ageing potential

8 to 12 years

Serving suggestions

16°C

Jean Claude BOISSET Nuits Saint-Georges - France - [email protected] 1/2 CLOS DE VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2011

Vintage : 2011

Very particular conditions were experienced with the 2011 vintage year which led to very early harvesting. With these conditions, it is often said that such a year is a year of the winemaker. Springtime was particularly dry and warm giving early signs of potentially promising quality. Rainfall in July helped rebuild the water levels in the soil and brought a new fresh lease of life to the vine. Stormy conditions in August, very unpredictable, led to growers carefully giving extra care and vigilance to their vines. Abundant sunshine and low rainfall levels in September rewarded the growers' patience. Strict sorting of grapes was required both in the vineyard and at the winery. Only the very best grapes were vinified. White wines are typified by a fine aromatic purity. Some light citrus aromas as well as delicate floral nuances can be found on tasting. Red Burgundy wines show a generous character, with rounded, supple and elegant tannins. The appealing style of this vintage, already appreciable, will allow for early drinking.

Jean Claude BOISSET Nuits Saint-Georges - France - [email protected] 2/2