Volnay „Vieilles Vignes“ AOC 2020

Wine Description for Volnay „Vieilles Vignes“ AOC 2020 by Jean-Marc & Thomas Bouley

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, medium ruby red with pomegranate reflections. The Vieilles Vignes display remarkable clarity and brilliance in the glass – typical of old vines that produce concentrated yet elegant grapes.

Nose

The bouquet unfolds with captivating complexity: ripe cherry and raspberry in the foreground, underpinned by violet, fine spice notes and a hint of undergrowth. With aeration, nuances of black tea and cedarwood develop – testament to masterful oak ageing that never dominates.

Palate

On the palate, the full class of Volnay reveals itself: silky-elegant, yet with surprising substance. The red fruit is pure-toned and precise, embedded in fine-grained tannins that provide structure without ever appearing harsh. Thomas Bouley’s feel for balance manifests itself in the perfect integration of the 14.5% alcohol – the wine never feels heavy despite its power. Impressive minerality and vibrant acidity lend this Volnay its characteristic tension.

Finish

Long, elegant and with lingering fruit aromas. The tannins remain present but supple, leaving behind a fine, slightly spicy aftertaste with hints of cherry stone and graphite.

Terroir & Origin

The old vines are rooted deep in the chalky soils of Volnay, one of the finest appellations of the Côte de Beaune. Thomas Bouley’s meticulous vineyard work and his respect for the terroir enable this village wine to precisely express the typical elegance and finesse of Volnay.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Pinot Noir from old vines. The ageing is carried out with fine sensitivity to oak – enough to impart complexity, but never so much that the fruit or terroir would be masked. The roundness and substance testify to optimal ripeness in the 2020 vintage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Classically with Coq au Vin, duck breast roasted pink, venison loin or a mature Époisses. Also excellent with mushroom dishes or beef fillet with truffle.

Special Features

This wine documents the impressive rise of Domaine Bouley since 2010. A village wine that achieves the level of some Premier Crus – and at a fair price-to-quality ratio.