Alain Hudelot-Noellat, Vougeot Premier Cru, Les Petits Vougeots, Burgundy

An introduction to Alain Hudelot-Noellat, Vougeot Premier Cru, Les Petits Vougeots, Burgundy

Often eclipsed by its famous Grand Cru neighbour Clos de Vougeot, Petits Vougeots is one of a handful of Premier Cru vineyards in its esteemed namesake appellation. The vineyard was awarded its Premier Cru status in 1936. Petits Vougeots is dominated by Pinot Noir but smaller quantity of white grape varieties are also grown here. Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noëllat is one of only a few top producers turning out Pinot Noir wine from Petits Vougeots. Crafted from old vines, fresh and refined, it displays tart red berry fruit and cassis with notes of soft violet plus smokey hints, a wash of minerality and fine-grained tannins. Old vines and 30% new oak add to the wine’s depth and create a lingering finish. Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noëllat Vougeot produces about 3,000 bottles of Petits Vougeots Premier Cru annually.

Performance

Understanding Alain Hudelot-Noellat, Vougeot Premier Cru, Les Petits Vougeots, Burgundy

The domaine tends just over half a hectare with eastern exposure in the 3.5-hectare Petits Vougeots climat. Soils feature marl and limestone which force the vines to dig deep for nutrients, leading to quality grapes and wines. Fruit is hand-harvested from 40-year-old vines, then carefully sorted ensuring only the best berries are vinified. A combination of 80% destemming and a small portion of whole cluster fermentation results in meticulous tannic management and a balanced wine. Each vintage has a unique character, a feature that is enhanced by the sole use of ambient yeasts in fermentation. Wines are not fined or filtered which adds further complexity, then matured for 16 months in 30% new oak barrels. With a nod to its prestigious neighbouring appellation, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate has praised the Petits Vougeots Premier Cru from Domaine Alain Hudelot-Noëllat for being ‘a Chambolle-Musigny in all but name’.

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