Joseph Drouhin : Clos de Vougeot Grand cru 2019

Tasting Notes and Serving Tips for the Clos de Vougeot 2019 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a magnificent deep, bright ruby hue.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic intensity, expressing notes of wild raspberry and cherry that embody freshness and elegance. With aeration, the bouquet develops into a captivating complexity, unveiling aromas of undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit, a subtle smoky touch and a delicate hint of brown tobacco.

Palate

On the palate, the wine charms with its sublime structure and its noble, refined tannins, showing firmness without harshness. The balance between the various flavor components is remarkable. Exceptional aromatic persistence and outstanding tannic pedigree give this wine tremendous aging potential.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Clos de Vougeot 2019 pairs beautifully with roasted or sauce-braised red meats, as well as feathered game such as pheasant, woodcock or wild duck. It also goes wonderfully with characterful Burgundian cheeses such as Beaufort or Époisses.

Serving and Cellaring

The Clos de Vougeot 2019 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This great vintage can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop until around 2044, with cellaring potential that can extend to around 2059 under optimal storage conditions.

An Elegant, Complex Burgundy Grand Cru

The Estate

Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, the Joseph Drouhin House is today one of the largest estates in Burgundy, with 100 hectares of vineyards. Run since 2003 by the family’s fourth generation, with Frédéric Drouhin as president, Véronique Drouhin-Boss overseeing winemaking, Philippe Drouhin supervising the vineyards and Laurent Drouhin in charge of business development, the House stands out for its pioneering commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture since 1989. The estate produces wines in more than 60 different appellations, including 14 grands crus and 20 premier crus, stretching from Chablis to the Mâconnais.

The Vineyard

The Clos de Vougeot is one of Burgundy’s most legendary vineyards, located between Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits. Covering around 50 hectares, this largest clos on the Burgundian slope was cleared and walled by the monks of Cîteaux at the end of the 12th century. Maison Joseph Drouhin owns two distinct parcels within this grand cru, set on gentle slopes with an east-facing exposure. The soil forms a true pedological mosaic, blending limestone and clay in varying proportions, creating a multitude of micro-terroirs that give the wine its exceptional complexity.

The Vintage

The year 2019 follows the tradition of great Burgundian vintages ending in 9. This vintage benefited from fine ripening conditions that produced wines that are generous, silky, charming and full of delicacy, reflecting a particularly happy balance between concentration and freshness.

Winemaking and Aging

The 2019 Clos de Vougeot harvest was carried out by hand in small perforated crates. Vinification incorporated between 20% and 50% whole clusters, depending on the characteristics of the vintage. Fermentation and maceration took place over 2 to 3 weeks in small open-top vats, with regular punch-downs and pump-overs. The yeasts used were exclusively indigenous. Pressing was carried out using a vertical press. Aging took place in French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months, including 30% new barrels. The oak, selected standing, was air-dried outdoors for three years. Throughout the process, weekly tastings combined with technical analyses guided decision-making.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir