Premier Cru Vaulorent Domaine
The vintage
After a mild and wet winter, we observed an historically early bud break mid-March. It was followed by a very cold, dry, and windy period at the end of March, with frosty nights, which fortunately didn’t impact our vineyards. This episode was followed by high temperatures, particularly in April, which accelerated vine growth. In the later-ripening areas, flowering finished around May 28-30. After a wet June, July turned very dry with two heatwaves at the end of July and the beginning of August, causing sunburn on the most exposed grape clusters. The alternation of heat and light rain in early August accelerated ripening, allowing harvest to begin on August 25.
Location
Appellation of 17 hectares on the right bank of the Serein, in the exact continuation of the Grands Crus slope, separated by a simple path from the Grand Cru Les Preuses, the appellation produces powerful and mineral wines.
Terroir
Marl with fairly deep soils. The plots cover 3.63 hectares, representing 21.35% of the Vaulorent appellation, oriented from southeast to southwest.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 19 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Powerful nose combining citrus aromas and white-fleshed fruit with a typical mineral note of the appellation.
Rich and concentrated, the palate offers remarkable freshness and length.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %