2022 Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay 1er Cru “Clos des Chenes”, Burgundy, France
ABOUT THIS WINE
Pinot Noir planted from 1951-1971. "Clos des Chenes" sits on shallow, red clay soils on limestone. Located at the intersection of the 4 premier cru vineyards of Volnay: Clos des Chênes, Les Caillerets, Taille Pieds, and En Champans. Moderate slope facing southeast. 100% de-stemmed, pneumatic pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation, light settling. Aged for 18 months, unfiltered. Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter).
Frédéric believes that location is everything for this complex vineyard. The Lafarge parcel of 55 year-old vines is in the Northeast corner of the vineyard and is the first parcel to the south of Taille Pieds at the intersection of the 4 premier cru vineyards of Volnay (Clos de Chênes, Les Caillerets, Taille Pieds, and En Champans). The depth of the soils in the Lafarge parcels varies from 28-38 cm, but Frédéric only works the first 5-10 cm of the soil. The Lafarge parcel is on the lower portion of the vineyard with the convex slope where the soils are more red and more iron-rich, which give the wines their original, generous expression with great potential for aging.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Domaine Lafarge was run for the last 60 years by the legendary Michel Lafarge. Frédéric, his son, starting in 1978. As of 2018, they have been joined by the next generation, Clothilde Lafarge, daughter of Frédéric and Chantal.
This domaine is famous for producing some of the greatest traditional Volnays, from biodynamic farmed vineyards.The domaine traces its history back to the early 19th century, the iconic Clos du Château des Ducs having been bought in 1900 by Michel Lafarge’s father. The first wines bottled at the domaine in 1934 included Clos des Chênes, the domaine’s largest Volnay premier cru holding and one of the village’s flagships. The domaine consists of over 11.6 hectares under vine, most of them in Volnay and Beaune, including a 0.9 hectares holding of Clos des Chênes and many top 1er cru vineyards in the appellation.
The vinification is traditional with 100% destemed grapes, and the elevage is done using very low percentage of new oak (around 5%) and are famous for their great transparency of their respective teroirs. Michel and Frédéric converted to biodynamic viticulture in 1996 and the domaine is now at the forefront of the movement.
Details:
| Grape(s) | Pinot Noir |
| Farming | Organic, Biodynamic |