Among Volnay’s emblematic climats, Clos des Chênes stands out like a mineral balcony where Pinot Noir reaches a peak of delicacy. In the 2018 vintage, Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux & Fils delivers a masterful interpretation: precise, luminous and true to the appellation’s airy style. The deep, vibrant ruby robe heralds a bouquet of black cherry, violet and fine spices, with delicate floral nuances emerging. Beyond the aesthetics, this 1er Cru meets the expectations of discerning drinkers: combining grace and depth, immediate pleasure and ageing potential. Its lace-like texture, slender backbone and long aromatic resonance make it an ideal companion for gastronomic tables. It is a wine for conversation—attentive and nuanced—which never imposes itself but suggests, unfolds and signs, with elegant restraint, the very spirit of Volnay.

Blend and winemaking

Made exclusively from Pinot Noir, in keeping with the canons of Volnay 1er Cru, this Clos des Chênes 2018 expresses the uniqueness of a terroir famed for harmonious wines. On this historic slope, the vines yield grapes of refined ripeness, guaranteeing pure fruit and an elegant structure. Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux & Fils’s work favours the integrity of the grape and a faithful reading of the vintage, with a vinification respectful of the material. The fruit is expressed without artifice, supported by measured ageing that preserves freshness, tension and the vibrancy of the framework. The whole highlights finesse while retaining a solid architecture, a distinctive hallmark of great Volnays from Clos des Chênes.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Deep ruby with luminous highlights, clear and brilliant. The brightness of the disc and the colour intensity announce a wine of character—precise and succulent—where visual density dialogues with true delicacy. In the glass, the matter comes alive with elegance, promising an elegant palate and a well-held persistence.
• Nose : Complex and nuanced, it opens on black cherry and Morello cherry, edged with violet, peony and dried petals. Touches of fine spices, pink pepper and nutmeg mingle with a subtle floral thread. Aeration reveals hints of crunchy red fruits and a discreet mineral imprint that brings uprightness and definition without ever weighing down the bouquet.
• Palate : The attack is direct and caressing, immediately supported by a silky texture. The mid-palate gains depth, driven by polished tannins and pulpy fruit where cherry and spices converse with mouthwatering freshness. The length is clear and precise, sustained by a mineral thread that stretches the finish and lends it persistent elegance.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this Volnay 1er Cru at cellar temperature, in large glasses that allow its aromas to open. A careful opening a few moments before serving enhances the floral and spicy notes. If desired, a gentle decanting can highlight the finesse of the tannins and the velvety dimension of the fruit. Store the bottles quietly, away from light and fluctuations, to preserve the bouquet’s grace and consider a serene evolution over the years, according to your tasting preferences.

Food pairings

• Refined starters : poultry pâté en croûte, mild game terrine, artisan cured meats.
• Main courses : herb-roasted free-range poultry, silky quasi of veal, reduced jus with seasonal mushrooms.
• Vegetable dishes : creamy porcini risotto, roasted root vegetables, creamy parmesan polenta.
• Delicate game : partridge, pink duck, accompaniments of red fruit and gentle spices.
• Cheeses : aged Brillat-Savarin, young Comté, delicate tomme with a soft paste.

Tasting occasions

This Clos des Chênes 2018 is equally at home in the intimacy of a dinner for two as it is in the celebration of a gastronomic meal, where every detail matters.

• To mark a precious moment with a characterful cuvée.
• For a seasonal pairing, centred on poultry, veal and mushrooms.
• As a connoisseur's gift, elegant and full of terroir.

Characteristics

• Name : Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux & Fils, Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes 2018
• Appellation : Volnay 1er Cru AOC
• Climat : Clos des Chênes
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape : Pinot Noir
• Commune : Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne
• Style : red wine of finesse, slender structure, persistent finish
• Producer : Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux & Fils
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring and service : to enjoy now or to cellar, serve at cellar temperature