Bouchard Père & Fils : Volnay 1er cru "Clos des Chênes" Domaine 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Bouchard Père & Fils Volnay 1er cru "Clos des Chênes" Domaine 2021

Tasting

Appearance

With its bright ruby hue—clear and transparent—this wine reflects the refined expressions of Volnay and reveals the cool conditions of the 2021 vintage.

Nose

The bouquet shows fine aromatic intensity focused on red fruits, notably cherry and raspberry, complemented by delicate floral notes of violet, the distinctive signature of the Climat Clos des Chênes. Spicy nuances of nutmeg and cardamom enrich the whole, while hints of tangy blueberry and dried herbs add complexity.

Palate

On the palate, the wine combines richness and elegance, with a fresh attack leading to a broad, concentrated mid-palate. The tannic structure is fine, silky, and perfectly integrated, offering remarkable balance between power and finesse. Lively acidity supports the whole and leads to a long, persistent finish marked by a subtle mineral edge.

Food and wine pairings

This Volnay 1er cru "Clos des Chênes" Domaine 2021 is an ideal match for white meats and poultry, especially roast duck with mild spices, herb-roasted chicken, or guinea fowl with wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with feathered game such as pheasant or partridge, as well as a rack of lamb in an herb crust. Regional cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire or Camembert also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Volnay 1er cru "Clos des Chênes" Domaine 2021 between 14 and 17°C to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness and vibrant fruit, but will gain depth with 5 to 8 years of cellaring. Its aging potential extends to around 2036.

A delicate and expressive Volnay 1er cru

The estate

Founded in 1731 by Michel Bouchard in Beaune, the Bouchard Père & Fils House is one of the oldest wine estates in Burgundy. With around 130 hectares spread across nearly 100 different climats of the Côte d'Or—two-thirds classified as grand cru or premier cru—it is one of the region’s most significant estate owners. Since September 2022, the estate has belonged to François Pinault’s Artémis Domaines, which has launched a major strategic transformation, including full conversion to certified organic farming in 2025.

The vineyard

Clos des Chênes is one of the most prestigious climats of Volnay, spanning around 15 hectares at the heart of the appellation. Bouchard Père & Fils owns an 0.85-hectare parcel there, benefiting from optimal south and southeast exposure. The soils consist of a thin layer of brown earth of around 35 centimeters over a Jurassic limestone subsoil rich in chalk and calcium. This mineral composition gives the wines their delicate character and distinctive minerality. Situated between 230 and 280 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from favorable air circulation and cool nighttime temperatures that preserve the grapes’ natural acidity.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Burgundy was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions. April frosts severely damaged the buds, followed by conditions conducive to downy mildew that further reduced yields. Despite these challenges, meticulous producers managed to craft wines of remarkable transparency and elegance. The vintage is characterized by bright, clear profiles, with modest alcohol levels around 12.5% and lively acidity that gives the wines a distinctive freshness.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for Volnay 1er cru "Clos des Chênes" Domaine 2021 are harvested by hand in small ventilated crates and then carefully sorted at the estate. After destemming, the berries ferment in small vats for around four weeks, with traditional pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, with 30 to 40% new oak to add structure and complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir