Vosne-Romanée: The Pinnacle of Pinot
Vosne-Romanée, the unrivaled epicenter of Burgundian excellence, stands as a global haven for the most coveted Pinot Noirs. This charming village boasts a distinguished roster of acclaimed producers—Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Meo-Camuzet, and Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, among others. This breathtaking convergence of Burgundian titans owes its existence to the treasure trove of terroirs found within the Cote de Nuits. The mosaic of La Tache, Romanée-Conti, Richebourg, and Romanée Saint-Vivant has cultivated a symposium of greatness. Vosne-Romanée, aptly christened as the "Pearl of the Cote d’Or," boasts 6 grand cru and 14 premier cru vineyards. With a terroir tailor-made for Pinot Noir, nearly half of its vineyards bask in the radiance of Premier Cru or Grand Cru distinction. For the connoisseur in search of the pinnacle of Pinot Noir, Vosne-Romanée is an inescapable sanctuary.
Vineyard Breakdown
Spanning a modest 1.5 square miles, this compact village blankets approximately 432 acres, earmarking 63.7 acres as Grand Cru and 140.8 acres as Premier Cru terrain. The pivotal year of 1936 etched the official appellation d’Origine Controlée (AOC) onto its long heritage. This classification also authorized the wines of neighboring Flagey-Echezeaux to carry the Vosne-Romanée label, encompassing the Grand Cru vineyards Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux. With the inclusion of the Grand Crus from both Vosne and Flagey, the village proudly houses eight distinct Grand Cru vineyards.
Chronicles of Vosne
Embarking on a journey through time, Vosne-Romanée's history dates back to 460 AD. A pivotal chapter unfolded in 890 when the priory of Saint-Vivant was established. Guided by the benevolent stewardship of monks, this region flourished as an integral part of the Clunic order. Come 1095, the Order of Cistercians emerged, and the monks retained dominion over this fertile land until the upheaval of the French Revolution in 1789. It was only in 1866 that the illustrious name "Romanée" was appended onto Vosne, a pivotal transition from its previous identity as simply "Vosne."
Terroir Unveiled
The mosaic of Vosne-Romanée's terroir is comprises of a symphony of clay and limestone. This precious concoction cradles the vine's roots, a lifeline from base to summit. At the venerated mid-slope where the Grand Crus hold court, the earth's embrace is most delicate. This gentle dance of clay and limestone yields optimal drainage, contribute to the vines to prosperity year after year. The coveted mid-slope, a jewel in the crown, imparts unparalleled drainage and sun-kissed exposure - a revered ground for cultivating the very essence of a Grand Cru.
Within this vinous tapestry, where Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Lieux Dits converge, Vosne-Romanée's wines stand distinct from their peers. They resonate with opulence and power, yet are graced by elegance and a silky touch. In their entirety, the village's wines unveil profound depth and complexity, laying the foundation for remarkable aging potential.
Value Beyond Grand Crus
In summary, Vosne-Romanée reigns as the apex of Pinot Noir mastery. Across the globe, no other corner of the world boasts such a harmony of depth and intricacy in cultivating this noble varietal. While the fabled Romanée Conti from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti might elude many, we propose seeking treasure beyond the sacred Grand Crus. Vineyards like Les Suchots and Les Beaumonts offer a wonderful drinking experience at a fraction of the price. While the stratosphere of Grand Cru might hover beyond the grasp of most, why not enshrine a few bottles from Vosne-Romanée’s Premier Crus in your cellar, patiently awaiting their moment to shine?
Vosne-Romanee Climats
Grand Cru:
Romanée-Conti
La Romanée
La Tâche
Richebourg
La Grand Rue
Romanée Sanit-Vivant
Echézeaux
Grands-Echézeaux
Premier Cru:
Au-dessus des Malconsorts
Aux Brulées
Aux Malconsorts
Aux Raignots
Clos des Réas
Cros Parantoux
En Orveaux
La Croix Rameau
Les Beaux Monts
Les Chaumes
Les Gaudichots
Les Petits Monts
Les Rouges
Les Suchots