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Vougeot is a wine appellation located in Burgundy, a world-renowned wine region in central-eastern France. In this same region, we can find eighty-four appellations with the French AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) label, including the Vougeot appellation, which obtained it in 1936. It also has the Bourgogne Côte d’Or appellation and the Côte de Nuits appellation. The vineyard’s reputation has been built on the production of high-quality red and white wines.
Vougeot, an appellation with a troubled history
The vineyard’s history is tumultuous, to say the least. Indeed, we now know that in 92 AD, Emperor Domitian ordered the uprooting of the surplus vines beyond the gates of Italy. In the Middle Ages, the abbey of Cîteaux expanded and began to cultivate vines in the Côte-d’Or department. In the 19th century, vines had to contend with four vine diseases: moth, powdery mildew, phylloxera and downy mildew. The 20th century was not spared, with mildew still striking the vines. Finally, the vineyards fell victim to a heatwave in 2003, forcing the uprooting of many vines. Finally, it’s also important to note that four vineyards are classified as Premier Cru.
Limestone soils sublimate the Vougeot terroir
The Vougeot vineyard covers a total of 15.87 hectares, 12.49 of which are classified as Premier Cru. The altitude recorded varies between 240 and 280 metres. The climate in this geographical area is temperate to continental. In fact, the seasons are rather dry thanks to good exposure to the sun and moderate rainfall. In addition, cultivated land is located on the convex slopes of the hills. As for the soils, they followed a gradual evolution as the slope descended. At the top of the hill, we find shallow calcareous brown soils and, as we descend towards the foothills, we move on to a layer of fine-textured calcareous and marly soils made of clay.
Vougeot, white or red, is full of flavour
Vougeot’s red wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes. For white wines, Chardonnay is used. Regulations do not allow blending, so they are both single varietals.
The appellation’s red wines are characterized by their deep, luminous red color. Purple hues can also be discerned. These wines emanate floral aromas such as violet, and fruitier aromas with notes of red or black fruit such as raspberry, morello cherry or blackcurrant. With age, the wines develop notes of truffle, undergrowth and dead leaf, accompanied by musky notes. On the palate, the texture is full-bodied and well-balanced for a perfect harmony of the senses. As a rule, tannins are very present, but this does not hinder the tasting experience as they are delicately coated. A delicate taste of liquorice rounds out the finish.
The appellation’s white wines have a fine, delicate color that evolves, after a few years, to a deeper golden hue. First and foremost, these wines emanate hawthorn and acacia aromas that intoxicate the senses. Later on, more mineral nuances emerge from the wines. The latter are a legacy of Vougeot’s stony, extremely chalky soil. Apple and citrus scents can also be expected. Older wines release delicious aromas of amber and spices. Finally, Vougeot Blanc is a dry, lively wine with the full-bodied nuance characteristic of Chardonnay in Côte de Nuits. The ageing potential of these wines ranges from five to fifteen years.
A perfect marriage between Vougeot and cheese
Both red and white wines from the Vougeot appellation are dry, still wines. Red wines are the perfect accompaniment to grilled or roasted red meat, as well as game such as pheasant or venison. Many cheeses will also be exquisite with a glass of Vougeot: Cîteaux cheese, brillat-savarin, reblochon, vacherin and mont-d’or, to name but a few. White wines are delicious with pan-grilled or baked fish. What’s more, pairing them with cheeses such as Comté or goat’s cheese is a sure bet. Red wines are best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 17°C, while white wines are best enjoyed between 12 and 13°C.
Vougeot boasts many great vintages
The best vintages for Vougeot are 1928, 1929, 1937, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1959, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1990, and 2005.
Two Vougeot family estates respect the ecosystem
Domaine De La Vougeraie
Domaine De La Vougeraie is a family estate created in 1999, although its history goes back to 1964 when the family bought its first vineyard: Les Evocelles. Today, the estate comprises 67 parcels covering 34 hectares, two-thirds of which are in Côte de Nuits and one-third in Côte de Beaune. The estate has turned to organic viticulture and follows biodynamic principles.
Christian Clerget Estate
Domaine Christian Clerget has been in the Clerget family for four generations. Today, it is run by Christian and Isabelle Clerget. It is located in Burgundy, between Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-St-Denis, Vougeot and Vosne-Romanée, and covers six hectares. The husband and wife team respect nature to the utmost, in order to offer their customers the best possible wine.
