2022 Chateau de Meursault Clos des Chenes Volnay 1er Cru, Burgundy

Château de Meursault Clos des Chênes Volnay 1er Cru is a refined Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's most revered Premier Cru vineyards, located in the Volnay appellation of Côte de Beaune. Château de Meursault, a historic estate with roots dating back to the 11th century, is celebrated for its meticulous attention to terroir and its dedication to crafting wines of elegance and finesse. The Clos des Chênes vineyard, perched on the slopes of Volnay, is renowned for producing wines that marry power and delicacy, hallmarks of the appellation.

Clos des Chênes, translating to "enclosure of the oaks," boasts a prime terroir characterized by well-draining limestone soils with a mix of clay, lending the wine its signature minerality and structure. The vineyard’s elevation and south-east exposure ensure excellent sunlight, fostering optimal ripeness and balance in the Pinot Noir grapes. The result is a wine of remarkable depth and charm.

The winemaking team at Château de Meursault, led by Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, employs traditional Burgundian techniques combined with modern innovations. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest fruit is used. After a gentle fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 30-40% of which are new, for 16-18 months. This process enhances the wine’s complexity without overpowering its inherent elegance.

In the glass, Château de Meursault Clos des Chênes Volnay 1er Cru reveals a luminous ruby hue. Aromas of redcurrant, cherry, and wild strawberry intertwine with hints of rose petals, forest floor, and delicate spice. On the palate, it is silky and layered, with supple tannins, bright acidity, and a long, graceful finish that highlights the vineyard’s limestone influence. This wine is a testament to Volnay’s reputation for crafting some of the most elegant Pinot Noirs in Burgundy.

Fun fact about the winemaker: Stéphane Follin-Arbelet is known for his witty approach to winemaking, often quipping that Volnay wines are like a perfectly choreographed ballet—graceful, precise, and occasionally dramatic when young. He also has a penchant for pairing Volnay with adventurous cuisine, often suggesting dishes like venison with berry reduction or herb-crusted lamb to complement the wine’s complexity.