Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue : Musigny Grand cru "Vieilles Vignes" 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Musigny Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes" 2018 from Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance is distinguished by a deep, luminous purple color, revealing remarkable chromatic intensity. This dark tint, with cherry red reflections, bears witness to the exceptional concentration and phenolic maturity of the grapes.

Nose

The bouquet unveils spectacular complexity with intense aromas of black fruit including blueberries, black cherries, and dark berries. These fruity notes are accompanied by mineral nuances evoking crushed limestone and fresh oyster shells, as well as delicate floral touches of iris and violet. Notes of spices, Asian tea, and incense complete this aromatic palette of great finesse.

Palate

On the palate, this medium-bodied wine reveals remarkable freshness and mineral tension that bring precision and definition. Flavors of blueberry, Boysenberry, cassis, and black raspberry unfold gradually, supported by notes of crushed stones and white pepper. The tannic structure is distinguished by its silky and infinitely delicate grain, perfectly integrated despite substantial concentration. Lively acidity maintains exemplary balance, while the finish stretches long on notes of mandarin citrus, minerality, and persistent red and black fruits.

Food and wine pairing

This Musigny Grand Cru pairs magnificently with refined preparations highlighting delicate meats. It is the ideal accompaniment for game birds in sauce such as partridge, pheasant, or pigeon, roast lamb, farm-raised capon, or roast veal, whose subtle texture is delicately enveloped by the wine's silky tannins. Soft cheeses like Brillat-Savarin, Reblochon, Brie de Meaux, or Chaource also make excellent pairings.

Service and storage

It is recommended to serve the Musigny Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes" 2018 at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. Decanting for at least one hour before serving will allow the wine to open up fully. This vintage can be appreciated now but will continue to evolve and develop its complexity until around 2050, or even beyond for bottles kept in optimal conditions.

An exceptional Musigny Grand Cru embodying the elegance of Chambolle-Musigny

The estate

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé represents one of the most prestigious estates in Burgundy, with a history dating back to around 1450. Managed today by Claire de Causans and Marie de Ladoucette, this family estate, emblematic of Chambolle-Musigny, spans approximately 12.6 hectares. Its major distinctiveness lies in owning approximately 70% of the prestigious Musigny Grand Cru, i.e., 7.12 hectares out of the appellation's total 10.85 hectares. The estate also produces the only Grand Cru white wine of the Côte de Nuits, the Musigny Blanc. This family property stands out for its exceptional continuity, having spanned centuries without interruption, including during the French Revolution.

The vineyard

Musigny is located on the slopes of the Côte de Nuits, in Chambolle-Musigny, at altitudes between 260 and 300 meters. The terroir is characterized by shallow soils resting on a hard Jurassic limestone substrate, with a general exposure towards the east and a slope of about ten degrees. This geological composition forces the vines to develop a deep root system, drawing from the mineral layers that give the wine its distinctive signature. The small stones and gravel present in the lower areas ensure optimal drainage. For the Vieilles Vignes cuvée, only plots with vines over forty years of age are selected, ensuring optimal phenolic maturity and complexity.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage was characterized by an exceptionally hot and dry growing season, with sunshine levels significantly higher than usual averages. Spring rains provided sufficient humidity in the soils, avoiding any water stress during the dry period that followed. The harvest was carried out early on August 30, 2018, allowing for the capture of grapes at optimal maturity. Yields were comfortably established around thirty hectoliters per hectare, slightly lower than those of 2017, favoring concentration and quality. This year produced grapes of remarkable generosity and balance, combining maturity and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The Musigny Grand Cru "Vieilles Vignes" 2018 was vinified according to the estate's contemporary methods, with approximately 50% whole bunch fermentation. Aging takes place in French oak barrels for about 18 months, with a maximum of 35% new barrels, the remaining 65% coming from barrels of one, two, or three wines. This measured approach to aging allows for the preservation of the fruity character and terroir minerality without woody aromas dominating. The wine is bottled without filtration or fining, thus favoring the natural expression of the fruit and the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir