Domaine de la Vougeraie : Vougeot 1er cru "Les Cras" 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Vougeot 1er Cru "Les Cras" 2021 from Domaine de la Vougeraie

Tasting

Appearance

The color unveils an intense ruby red with luminous and crystalline highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals delicate aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant, accompanied by subtle spicy notes that add complexity to the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine seduces with its silky tannins and elegant texture. The mineral dimension expresses itself with intensity, reflecting the limestone soils of the terroir. The finish stands out for its remarkable length and aromatic complexity, offering a masterful balance between depth and finesse.

Food and wine pairings

This 2021 Vougeot pairs perfectly with refined red meats, noble poultry and mature cheeses. It also enhances mushroom-based dishes and elaborate gourmet preparations.

A Vougeot Grand Cru combining depth and elegance despite a challenging vintage

The estate

Created in 1999 by Jean-Claude Boisset, Domaine de la Vougeraie brings together 44 hectares spread over 72 plots covering 37 appellations in Burgundy. Managed today by Sylvie Poillot as General Manager, with the involvement of Jean-Charles and Nathalie Boisset, the estate distinguishes itself by its pioneering commitment to biodynamics since 2001. Its exceptional portfolio includes nine Grands Crus, including the prestigious Clos de Vougeot, and the historic monopole of Clos Blanc de Vougeot. The estate embodies Burgundian excellence through a respectful approach to the terroirs and collaborative management involving a team of around 30 professionals.

The vineyard

The Clos de Vougeot represents one of the most iconic vineyards in Burgundy, established by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. The estate owns 1.052 hectares within this 50.59-hectare Grand Cru. The vineyard stretches between 240 and 260 meters above sea level, on soils varying from shallow limestone at the top of the slope to deeper clay at the bottom. This soil diversity generates wines of great complexity. The estate's plots combine old vines and younger plantings, allowing for a perfect balance between aromatic concentration and fruity freshness.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved to be particularly challenging in Burgundy. A devastating frost on April 7 struck the vineyards during bud break, followed by an exceptionally rainy summer and violent hailstorms concentrated on Gevrey-Chambertin. These conditions favored the development of fungal diseases, reducing yields by about 50% compared to usual volumes. The harvest began on September 6 and intensified starting September 17. Despite these difficulties, the grapes showed remarkable maturity, color and aromatic expression, allowing for the production of wines of exceptional quality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes were harvested manually in small aerated 20-kilogram crates to preserve their integrity. Natural vinification took place in individual wooden vats by appellation, using indigenous yeasts. Due to limited volumes, fewer plots benefited from whole cluster fermentation than in previous vintages. Pressing was carried out with a vertical pneumatic press guaranteeing gentle extraction. Aging took place for 12 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with about one third new wood, a lower proportion than usual years to prioritize the expression of the fruit. The barrels come 90% from the Cîteaux forest, bringing finesse and delicacy. Bottling was carried out during the waning moon according to the estate's biodynamic principles.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir