Domaine du Cellier aux Moines : Volnay 1er cru "En Chevret" 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Volnay 1er Cru "En Chevret" 2023 Domaine du Cellier aux Moines

Tasting

Colour
With a dark ruby hue, this wine displays deep, captivating highlights.

Nose
Complex and multidimensional, the bouquet opens with aromas of wild red berries, blackberry and black cherry. It then reveals floral and spicy notes reminiscent of potpourri, clove, liquorice, cocoa powder and graphite. With aeration, herbaceous nuances and a chalky minerality emerge, accompanied by a subtle hint of mocha.

Palate
Full-bodied and fleshy, the palate offers a round texture and a beautiful concentration of juicy fruit reminiscent of wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry. The tannins, silky and enveloping, evoke the delicacy of satin. A bright, crystalline acidity runs through the palate, bringing plenty of freshness. The long, elegant finish lingers on sharp minerality, sweet spices and a touch of menthol.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with delicate meats such as duck, roast pigeon or light poultry. It also goes very well with veal in a creamy wild mushroom sauce, a truffle risotto, or steamed white fish. When it comes to cheese, opt for aged varieties such as brie, camembert or comté.

Serving and cellaring

The Volnay 1er Cru "En Chevret" 2023 can be enjoyed from 2025 with a light decanting, but it will reach its peak between 2029 and 2034. Its ageing potential allows it to develop favourably and can be enjoyed until around 2038.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 13%.

The elegance and minerality of a Premier Cru from the Volnay appellation

The estate

Founded in 1130 by Cistercian monks from the Abbey of la Ferté, Domaine du Cellier aux Moines is a historic estate located in Givry, Burgundy. Acquired in 2004 by Philippe and Catherine Pascal, the estate now spans around ten hectares. Under the guidance of its current owners and technical director Guillaume Marko, the vineyard has been fully converted to biodynamic farming. It stands out in particular for its innovative facilities, home to the region's only cellar operating entirely by gravity, allowing for a respectful and natural approach to winemaking.

The vineyard

The "En Chevret" plot covers just over six hectares within the Volnay appellation. Located on a gentle slope at an altitude of between 200 and 250 metres, the vines, with an average age of 25 years, benefit from a high planting density. The terroir is divided into two zones: an upper section with shallow soils of hard oolitic limestone, and a lower section made up of deep reddish clay resting on the limestone bedrock, providing optimal drainage.

The vintage

2023 benefited from very favourable weather conditions. The harvest, which took place in September, enjoyed mild weather that allowed the berries to reach optimal ripeness, offering a perfect balance between sugar concentration and natural acidity.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the Volnay 1er Cru "En Chevret" 2023 are hand-harvested, followed by careful sorting on a table. The winemaking process favours whole-bunch fermentation using exclusively indigenous yeasts, thereby limiting tannic extraction. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (around 35% new oak) for 10 to 12 months. Finally, bottling is carried out without any filtration, thanks to the cellar's gravity-based system.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir