Domaine Hudelot Noellat is one of the most revered names in the world of Burgundy wines. With a history dating back to the late 19th century, this Domaine has consistently garnered acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality. With vineyards across four villages and 15 appellations, all of Hudelot’s wines offer a captivating array of aromas and experiences that encapsulate the essence of Burgundian winemaking.
Domaine Hudelot Noellat History
The story of Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat begins in the late 1800s when Alain Hudelot inherited vineyards in Vougeot and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Over the years, the Domaine expanded through strategic acquisitions of premier and grand cru parcels, solidifying its presence in some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy.
Alain devoted 45 years to shaping the destiny of the Domaine. In 1978, a significant union occurred when Alain married Odile Noëllat, the granddaughter of Charles Noëllat. This marriage not only united two families but also introduced new vineyards to the Domaine, enriching its viticultural tapestry.
In 1988, a pivotal moment occurred as Domaine Hudelot underwent a division. Half of the estate found its way to Domaine Leroy, while the remaining half was shared between Alain Hudelot and Odile Noëllat in collaboration with Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron.
The year 2007 marked the end of an era as Alain Hudelot retired, passing the torch to his grandson, Charles Van Canneyt. Fresh from completing his wine course at Dijon University, Charles embraced the responsibility of steering the domaine into a new chapter. His approach was marked by evolution rather than revolution, respecting the foundation laid by his grandfather.
The Wines
The Domaine’s flagship wines, including Richebourg and Romanée-Saint-Vivant, showcase the nuance of terroir, evolving uniquely from barrel to bottle. Some of Hudelot’s top wines include:
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
One of the crown jewels of the Domaine, the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru reflects the power and finesse that defines great Burgundy. With a complex bouquet of red fruits, spices, and earthy undertones, this wine showcases the depth of flavor and exceptional aging potential.
Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Richebourg
Standing among the fortunate few to possess both Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Richebourg vineyards, alongside luminaries like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, Hudelot-Noëllat presents wines of unparalleled rarity. These grand crus showcase the pinnacle of Burgundian winemaking, with each sip unveiling the unique character of these hallowed terroirs.
Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Les Malconsorts' and 'Les Suchots'
The Domaine’s holdings in Vosne-Romanée include premier cru vineyards that are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. 'Les Malconsorts' and 'Les Suchots' exemplify the finesse and complexity characteristic of Vosne-Romanée, with rich aromatics, velvety textures, and a lingering finish.
Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru
The Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru reflects the Domaine’s prowess in crafting wines with structure and intensity. Bold and robust, yet refined, this wine is a testament to the diversity of styles within the portfolio.
The Chambolle-Musigny
Chambolle-Musigny, nestled within the Côte de Nuits, is renowned for producing some of the most ethereal and delicate Pinot Noirs in Burgundy. The terroir of this appellation is marked by a mosaic of soil types, with a significant presence of limestone and clay. This geological diversity imparts a profound influence on the character of the wines, contributing to their elegance, finesse, and complexity.
Winemaking Philosophy
Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat is renowned for its commitment to traditional winemaking practices that highlight the unique terroir of each vineyard. The estate follows organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing sustainable viticulture to preserve the natural balance of the vineyards.
The winemaker, Charles Van Canneyt’s meticulous winemaking involves careful sorting, destemming, and fermentation with natural yeast. He continues the legacy of excellence, focusing on expressing the purest characteristics of the grapes and their terroir. His approach is consistent across all wines, from village to grand cru. The oak regime is equally deliberate, with French oak barrels sourced from Allier, Vosges, and Citeaux, ranging from 20% for village wines to 30-50% for premiers and grands crus.
Vineyards and Microclimates
Hudelot-Noëllat's holdings in Chambolle-Musigny are a reflection of the appellation's rich terroir. The domaine carefully tends to premier cru parcels, each with its own unique microclimate and soil composition. The proximity to the Combe de Chamboeuf, a natural indentation in the landscape, moderates temperatures and creates favorable conditions for grape ripening. This, coupled with the vineyards' elevation, further enhances the expression of terroir in the wines.
Limestone, clay, and marl intermingle beneath the vines of Chambolle-Musigny, offering a complex foundation for grapevines to thrive. The limestone imparts a mineral character, while the clay contributes to the wine's structure and ability to retain moisture. The synergy of these elements results in wines that beautifully reflect the nuances of the soil in which the vines are rooted.
A Wine For Every Palate
Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat's diverse portfolio mirrors the rich tapestry of Burgundy itself. Whether you seek the ethereal elegance of Chambolle-Musigny, the power of Clos de Vougeot, or the rarefied air of Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Richebourg, each bottle from this esteemed domaine is an invitation to explore the nuanced beauty of Burgundian terroir—a journey that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on the palates of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
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