2019 Monthelie Douhairet-Porcheret Volnay 1er Cru 'En Champans'

Burgundy, France

Domaine Douhairet-Porcheret covers eight hectares of vineyards in Monthélie, Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. The estate is over 300 years old and located behind the Church of Monthélie in the center of the village. In 1989, Mademoiselle Douhairet asked renowned winemaker André Porcheret to take charge and added his name to the domaine. His granddaughter, Cataldina Lippo, joined him at the domaine in 2004, and while she learned from the man himself, she and her partner, Vincent, are now at the helm. The work in the vineyard is meticulous and shows their commitment to the land; herbicides and pesticides are banned, and harvest is always done by hand. The wines from Cataldina and Vincent walk that beautiful line between classic and modern, with high-tone fruit, a clear sense of place and energy.

Average age of the vines is 80 years. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted, 100% destemmed, and fermented in wood vats for 12 to 20 days. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (Tronçais), 10% new for 18 months. Nose of dark fruits: raspberry, cherry with florals and exotic spices. The palate is fresh and detailed with a silky mouthfeel from the old vines and refined tannins. There is a mineral-laded layer below and a lingering finish. This Champans embodies everything that is great about Volnay; aromatics, texture, length and sheer pleasure. Delicious now but should also have many years ahead.