Clos de Vougeot AOC

The only Grand Cru vineyard or appellation in the municipality of Vougeot in the Côte d'Or region (Burgundy). The name means "enclosed or walled garden of the castle/abbey of Vougeot". The famous vineyard was created in the 14th century by monks of the Cistercian order. In 1330, it was enclosed by a high wall that still stands today and stretches for kilometres. It therefore rightly bears the name Clos. The monks used it as an "experimental vineyard", and the different soil types were very favourable for this.

Château du Clos de Vougeot

They are even said to have "tasted the soil" to determine the terroir. Professional methods were used to test which grape varieties are best suited for cultivation on which soils, as well as the best pruning and fertilisation depending on the soil conditions. In the upper area, the permeable, lean soils are rich in limestone and gravel. This is where the Château du Clos de Vougeot is located, where the annual meeting of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin wine brotherhood takes place as part of "Les Trois Glorieuses" (Three Glorious Days). In the lower area along the road, the less appreciated alluvial soils of clay and loam predominate.

Wines & producers

With over 50 hectares, Clos de Vougeot is the largest Grand Cru site on the Côte d'Or. The vineyards are shared by 85 winegrowers, often with small holdings. The extremely long-lasting red wine is made from Pinot Noir, with possible proportions of Pinot Liébault and Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris); up to 15% Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc may also be used. Due to the large number of producers, the quality of the red wines varies, but many are characterised by a richness of extract that only fully develops after ten years at the earliest. Well-known producers include Arnoux, Bichot (Domaine du Clos Frantin), Boisset (Domaine de la Vougerae), Confuron-Contetidot, Joseph Drouhin, Drouhin-Laroze, Engel, Faiveley, Grivot, Michel Gros, Jadot, Lamarche, Domaine Leroy, Méo-Camuzet, Georges Mugneret, Prieuré-Roch and Tardi.

Picture above: copyright @josephdrouhin
Picture below: © Bénédecite MANIERE and Jean-Louis BERNUY