CLOS DE VOUGEOT GRAND CRU

Background

The historic Domaine Bertagna once belonged to the Cistercian monks, famous for founding the Clos de Vougeot in the 13th century. The estate’s cellars and vineyards are located in the heart of the village nearby the Château and its ancient Chapter House. The winery has been owned by the world-renowned Reh family since 1985 and is managed by Eva Reh-Siddle. With 18 wonderfully diverse appellations across the region, 12 of which are Premier and Grand rus, Bertagna is among the top ranking Domaines in Burgundy. A desire for perfection and emphasis on quality, coupled with significant investments in technology and vineyard management, result in some of the region’s most compelling wines. Domaine Bertagna is perhaps best known for its elegant, silky red wines, but it also produces one of the world’s rarest white wines – Vougeot 1er Cru Blanc “Les Cras” from the Côtes de Nuits.

Winemaking

Located very in the center of the Clos, not far from the Château de la Tour. Clos de Vougeot is the largest of the Burgundy Grands Crus, at 125 acres. After strict pruning and a mid-season green harvest to control yields, the grapes are hand-picked in small boxes with hand-sorting at the vineyard and the winery to ensure only the finest grapes. Destemming is followed by pre-fermentation, cold maceration is followed by alcoholic fermentation at 82°F, with malolactic fermentation in barrels. Only natural yeast from the grapes is used, the wine is manually punched down and left to ferment in tanks for 21 to 28 days. The wine is aged in French oak barrels (40% new) for 15 to 18 months.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of red-berried fruit enhanced by spices and toast with perfect balance on the palate. Long powerful, yet elegant finish with great depth. This wine is a delicious option for roasted white meats, grilled salmon with dill, roasted red potatoes with rosemary, game dishes, hearty vegetables, and a variety of soft and hard cheeses.