AOC Clos de Vougeot

The Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) Clos de Vougeot is one of the most prestigious and emblematic appellations of Burgundy, located in the heart of the Côte de Nuits. This Grand Cru, surrounded by a stone wall, is renowned for its red wines of exceptional quality, made from the Pinot Noir grape.

The Clos de Vougeot covers some 50 hectares, making it the largest Grand Cru in terms of surface area in the Côte de Nuits. It is located in the commune of Vougeot, between the famous villages of Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. The Clos de Vougeot terroir is characterized by a great diversity of soils. The higher parts of the clos are made up of limestone and marl soils, offering excellent drainage and a distinctive minerality, while the lower parts contain more clay, giving more robust, powerful wines.

Clos de Vougeot wines are made exclusively from the Pinot Noir grape variety. They are distinguished by their aromatic complexity, depth and ageing potential. Typical aromas include notes of red fruit (cherry, raspberry), black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), as well as spicy, floral and sometimes truffle and undergrowth nuances. On the palate, the wines are powerful yet elegant, with fine tannins and remarkable structure, offering great length and impressive ageing capacity.

The Clos de Vougeot is divided into a multitude of parcels belonging to different producers, each bringing their own unique touch to the wines. The total surface area of the appellation is around 50 hectares, and annual production is limited, contributing to the exclusivity and prestigious reputation of Clos de Vougeot wines. Around 3,000 hectolitres of wine are produced each year, representing around 400,000 bottles.

A growing number of Clos de Vougeot winemakers are adopting organic or biodynamic viticulture practices. This transition to more sustainable methods aims to respect the environment, preserve biodiversity and produce more authentic, expressive wines. Practices include the use of organic composts, the reduction or elimination of synthetic chemicals, and manual tilling of the soil. The organic approach also enhances the resilience of the vines and improves the quality of the grapes, contributing to wines of great purity and complexity.

The wines of Clos de Vougeot are often regarded as one of the pinnacles of winemaking excellence in Burgundy. Their exceptional quality and ability to faithfully reflect the characteristics of their terroir make them highly sought-after by wine lovers and collectors alike. The best vintages of Clos de Vougeot can age for several decades, developing even more complex aromas and flavors with time.