Volnay 1er Cru "Pitures" (Red)

Origine

The parcel is located south of the village of Volnay, near Pommard, next to the famous “Clos des Ducs”. The terrain is on a very deep slope (40 metres  elevation) which accounts for the fact that the rock at the top of the parcel (marly limestone) is different from the rock at the bottom (hard limestone). The soil is fairly cold and made up of clay and heavy, rich, deep limestone.  "Pitures" is the most robust of the domaine's Volnays, more Pommard in character. It is similar to Pommard because it is fairly opulent, while retaining the finesse of a Volnay. 

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand and then sorted on arrival at the winery in order to select those which appear to be perfectly ripe. The harvested  grapes are totally destemmed and transferred into vat by gravity in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit. They are kept at a cool temperature for 6-8 days to extract their aromatic qualities, and alcoholic fermentation occurs naturally due to the presence of indigenous yeasts. During this phase, we taste the wine to determine whether we should carry out punch down and/or pumping over operations, in order  to extract the grapes’ noble tannins. After de-vatting, the wine goes into French oak barrels for 12-16 months, during which time malo-lactic fermentation takes place. A light filtration before the wine goes into bottle may be carried out depending on the vintage.

Notes de dégustation

Intense red colour. A touch of oak on the nose, with aromas of slightly candied red fruit and violets.
This is a powerful, rich and well balanced wine. The tannins are fairly pronounced when the wine is young and soften with age. Very good length. 

Mets d'accompagnements

Roast meats (chops or shoulder of lamb, hare in cherries, etc.) and matured cheeses.