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“Clos de Vougeot” or “Clos Vougeot” is a legendary appellation in the French wine world. Located in the Côte-d’Or region, this appellation has been recognized as an Appellation d’Origine Protégée since 1937.
Clos de Vougeot is the greatest representative of Burgundy gastronomy
In the 12th century, in the midst of vineyards, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux inaugurated the Clos de Vougeot, which gave its name to the appellation designating the wines produced from these vines. Its construction was completed in the 16th century with the construction of a Renaissance-style main building. It was listed as a historic monument in 1949. Today, it no longer produces wine, but can be visited all year round, and exhibitions are held regularly. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you can see a film retracing the history of Clos de Vougeot.
Clos de Vougeot is also strongly linked to the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, both of which represent Burgundy gastronomy at its best. Indeed, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is a brotherhood whose aim is to promote Burgundian gastronomy at events such as the fête de la Saint-Vincent tournante and the Tastevinage, an annual event since 1950 during which over 200 experts judge the fidelity of more than 1,000 wines to the Burgundian terroir. The brotherhood, which today numbers over 12,000 members, was founded in 1934.
Clos-de-Vougeot is a vineyard composed entirely of Grand Cru wines.
Built in the heart of Burgundy’s Grands Crus, the Clos de Vougeot appellation stands out from the other Grands Crus by the number of hectares of Grand Cru it possesses. The appellation covers 49.86 hectares of vines. These vines are planted on brown and red chalky marl soil, with numerous pebbles and humus. As far as the altitude of the vines is concerned, you’ll find vines between 233 and 275 meters above sea level in this appellation. However, there are notable differences between the upper and lower parts of the appellation. If you move upwards, you’ll find a greater presence of pebbles and therefore less soil, which means better quality wines.
The Clos is divided into “lieux-dits”, 3 terroirs: the pontifical terroir, the royal terroir and the monastic terroir.
Clos-de-Vougeot produces wines of the highest nobility
Tasting wines from the Clos de Vougeot appellation shows the Pinot Noir grape at its noblest. Wines from this appellation have a deep ruby color, sometimes tending to garnet. The nose is very intense, with aromas of black fruit, cherry, violet and peony, as well as woody, smoky vanilla notes. As it evolves, it moves towards undergrowth (humus, mushroom), animal (game, meat juices) and spices (clove, pepper, cocoa), while the fruitiness is more candied. On the palate, the attack is always full and broad, with a feeling of unctuousness. This beautiful consistency is then confirmed during development with a sensation of density and concentration. This imposing structure is balanced by a fresh acidity that accompanies the wine right through to the finish. The tannins are marked by great suppleness. The finish often breaks records for aromatic length, leaving a feeling of comfort and nobility. Clos de Vougeot wines have sufficient structure and balance to be enjoyed for 8 to 10 years. For the same reasons, some vintages can be kept for up to 30 years.
A Clos-de-Vougeot goes wonderfully with meat
Clos de Vougeot offers concentrated, velvety, tender and persistent wines. It’s best to choose tender, noble cuts, such as fillets of game, beef, veal, lamb or poultry, cooked in a way that respects this structural quality. These meats are best accompanied by reduced, concentrated sauces, to match the aromatic length of the wines. Clos de Vougeot is a perfect match for dishes such as tournedos rossini or filet of beef with morel mushrooms. We recommend serving wine at 16 degrees for young wines and 17 degrees for mature wines.
Great years for a Clos-de-Vougeot
Recently, the Clos de Vougeot appellation has been outstanding in 2005, 2009, 2014 and 2015. Clos de Vougeot wines of singular quality can also be found, with 1969, 1978 and 1990 vintages.
Talented producers in Clos-de-Vougeot
Henri Boillot House
Founded in 1885 by Henri Boillot’s grandfather, the estate was gradually built up throughout the 20th century, with Henri starting out as a winemaker and then his son Jean expanding the business. Today, the house works its wines with passion and rigor to ensure the continuity of the estate’s operation by the family. Great care is also taken with the vines to protect their environment. Maison Henri Boillot red wines are noble, structured and elegant, making them excellent representatives of the Clos de Vougeot appellation.
Domaine Denis et Arnaud Mortet
Arnaud, who now runs the estate with his family, has always worked without chemical fertilizers or weedkillers, since his father had already stopped using these methods in 1996. Domaine Denis and Arnaud Mortet wines are renowned for their length. More specifically, this estate reveals a Clos de Vougeot appellation wine with cherry and morello cherry aromas blending perfectly with a beautiful structure.
