Volnay 1e cru ‘Brouillards‘ - Pinot noir

Pinot Noir | 1e cru wijngaard, 0,37 ha bezit | 50+ jaar oude stokken  | hoog gelegen cru, stenige bodem met luchtige klei laag | gerijpt voor 12-15 maanden op eikenhout, 10-25% nieuw | aardse stijl | zacht | gul | iets spicey | in zijn jeugd fijn en elegant op oudere leeftijd ontwikkeld de wijn zich prachtig | 2011 verglijkbaar met 2007, hoge zuren, lage alcohol, wijnen met potentie tot lange fles rijping 

Volnay is the stronghold of the family estate. This modestly-sized appellation of 207 hectares, entirely devoted to Pinot Noir, is nestled on the middle of the slopes and composed of a terroir dominated by clay, marl and limestone that long ago conquered the hearts of the dukes of Burgundy, who were proprietors of a portion of the vineyard.

Contrary to what one might think, the term "Brouillard" isn't linked to meteorology but rather to the old French word "breuil" or beuillât", or a small area where young or short trees grow.

The Premier Cru "Les Brouillards" is quite heterogeneous. The Domaine's tiny vineyard of 0.37 hectare is found in the top – and best – portion that runs alongside "Les Mitans", on a rocky and marl-dense soil with fine clay.

Like the Volnay Premier Cru "La Carelle sous Chapelle", "Les Brouillards" is a wine more focused on fruit than structure. Generous, accessible and elegant, it generally opens up earlier than other Premier Crus, between five and seven years.