Domaine des Comtes Lafon Volnay Premier Cru Clos des Chênes

Wine Information
Size: 0.38 ha (0.94 ac)
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Planted in 1974
Terroir: Higher altitude, gentle (2-5%) slope, facing east, medium-deep light-colored clay soil with softer limestone rocks
Viticulture: Organic (certified), biodynamic methods
Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, indigenous yeast fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Cold (12-15°C) settling, punch-downs 1-2 times per day. Aged for 18-22 months in barrel (33% new).

This tiny parcel is perfectly situated, overlooking the Caillerets. The vines here are healthy, though they are not rigorous producers (25-40 hl/ha). The rootstock is entirely massal selection, and the grapes ripen later here compared to other parcels owned by the domaine.

When the grapes arrive to the cellar, the goal of the winemaker is keep some of the benefits of whole cluster fermentation but avoid the herbacious flavors that come from the stems. The clusters are thus de-stemmed but with the most delicate machine possible in order to keep a maximum of whole grapes. After pressing, the young wine settles for 1 to 2 weeks in tank, separating the sediment of solids from the liquids to avoid unwanted lees during aging. The barrels are then filled by gravity and undergo a late malolactic fermentation. The wine is racked twice during aging.