| |
|
 |
 |
| |
A mythic and mystical vine, the Clos Blanc is
next door to the château du Clos de Vougeot. This Golden
triangle at the heart of the vineyards of the great reds offered
the pure, golden shine of its sacred liquid to its spiritual
fathers in 1110, the first Cîteaux Monks of "La Vigne
Blanche", like a diamond set in a crown of rubies... |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
As ancient as the Clos de Vougeot, the Clos Blanc
de Vougeot is the alleluia of the Cîteaux monks.
They planted the vines here nine centuries ago with
the intention of producing their own wine for mass.
This white wine went on to fill the cruets of the Abbey for
almost 700 years.
A precious drop of gold, glistening and rare. An island of Chardonnay
in an ocean of pinot noir. A violin solo at the heart of an
orchestra. Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot was once called Petit Clos
blanc de Cîteaux. It is also referred to as
La Vigne blanche de Vougeot. It shares its origins with the
Clos de Vougeot which was founded by the Abbot of Cîteaux.
He was born here, in 1098. His first harvests on the Vougeot
terroir go back to the year 1110. Saint Bernard most probably
took part. This vineyard has always been planted with white
grapes, with Chardonnay or its ancestors. The Cîteaux
Monks wanted their own white wine for mass. Another particularity
distinguishes this clos, an exception in Burgundy.
Despite the revolution in 1789 and the sale of the national
assets, the Clos blanc de Vougeot remained a monopoly,
a non-divided property. In the 19th century, Jules Ouvrard then
Jules Régnier carried on the tradition. In the 20th century
it was acquired by the Maison L'Héritier-Guyot it remains
the sole owner of the Domaine de la Vougeraie. |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
Location:
The Vougeot vineyards cover less than 100 hectares half of which
are used by Clos de Vougeot. Among a few
"climats", Clos Blanc de Vougeot is just in front
of the château, below the north wall of the Clos de Vougeot
about half as long. It is right next to Musigny and the Amoureuses
at ChambolleMusigny.
- Varietals: Chardonnay 95%, Pinot Gris 5%.
- Soil: Very chalky soil (white ground). Probable clay and
silt. Perfect soil for growing Chardonnay. Compost from the
GEST (Groupement d'Étude et de Suivi des Terroirs).
- Plantation density: 10.000 feet/ha.
- Start of organic agriculture: 1992.
- Organic agriculture: 1998.
- Labelled in: 1999.
- Tilled by horse
- Taille: Guyot. |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
Le Grand Carré de la Vigne Blanche
- Geographical location: Parcel half way up the hill.
- Exposure: East.
- Plantations: 1983-84, 1988-89, 1991-92.
Le Haut de la Vigne Blanche (la plante)
- Geographical location: Parcel half way up the hill.
- Exposure: East.
- Plantations: 1995-96. |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
Pressurage: In full bunches 2h30.
Decanting: 12h to 15°C.
Fermentation: Slow and entirely in casks.
No yeast, no enzymes. |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
- Length: 18 months.
- Type: In casks.
- Percentage of new casks: 30%.
- Burning: Medium heat.
- Wood source: Allier and Vosges.
- Number of batonnages: Once a week until March.
1 soutirage - new casks only.
- Collage/Filtration: No collage. Filtration on Kieselguhr. |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
Written on April 9th 2001 by Michel Smolarek.
Master Sommelier, Best Sommelier in Burgundy, Finalist of the
Meilleur Sommelier de France in 1988.
"A straw yellow colour with a strong intensity. Good shine.
An aromatic complexity that proclaims a white wine from a terroir,
the only one from the Côte de Nuits. There is a hint of
maturity from the fruit (yellow peach), and a minty aftertaste.
The wine has assimilated the new wood during ageing. To the
palate it is opulent and full bodied.
A majestic texture, suave with spicy nuances. The finale is
elegant, supported by a discreet freshness. An eternal aftertaste
of 8 to 10 caudalies. For me this is a Grand Cru!" |
|
Who are we?
Domaine de la Vougeraie
