Caroline Frey Volnay Rouge · 2019

The village that gives its name to the AOC Volnay is located in the Côte de Beaune (Côte-d'Or), in Burgundy. Its vineyards include 29 Premiers Crus covering 132 hectares out of a total of 220 hectares. Volnay's wonderful red pinot noir wines (the only permitted variety) come from a magical corner of land perched on the Chaignot hill, high up in the Côte de Beaune, a narrow and steeply sloping site that does not allow more space for vines. The hill itself faces south-east and its vineyards have been valued and exploited for centuries. Volnay obtained its AOC in 1937, thanks among other factors to its limestone soils and the perfect altitude of its vineyards (230-280 metres). Admired since time immemorial for its delicacy and bouquet, Volnay has always been considered the most feminine of Burgundy's wines, although some of its terroirs modify this judgement with more vigorous and muscular versions. The colour varies from bright ruby to light garnet. Aromas are of violet, redcurrant, cherry and, with age, spice, game and prune. It has an immediate appeal which, coupled with a slight natural precocity, means that it can be fully opened while still relatively young. The attack is fresh, the finish is warm. Drinking this wine, one seems to bite into fresh fruit and breathe in its intoxicating aroma. Its velvety femininity is matched by its great aromatic intensity. This makes it an ideal partner for sophisticated poultry, roast and patiently glazed dishes, which can be immersed in the wine's fruity and spicy aromas. The opulent, fleshy-textured Premiers Crus love feathered game, slow braised or simply roasted.