Is it possible that the Rue du Clos de Vougeot is somehow connected to one of the most exclusive vineyards in the world? Today we will explore the legacy of Clos de Vougeot. This street might seem like any other Parisian street. But its name echoes through centuries of winemaking history.
Rue du Clos de Vougeot borrows its name from the famed Clos de Vougeot vineyard. It is located in the heart of France’s Burgundy region. The vineyard spans fifty-one acres. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable place. Originally, Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Cîteaux established Clos de Vougeot as a wine farm. The monks began cultivating vines there in the 12th century. Wealthy Burgundian lords donated land. The abbey also purchased land. These monks built a wall around the precious lands. This wall still marks the prestigious appellation today.
For over 1000 years, monks produced wine here. They eventually passed their knowledge to the people of the towns. Winemakers in Burgundy have farmed this region for generations. They produce some of the best wine in the world. These families oversee the production personally. They tend the growing vines, ferment the wine and bottle it. Much of the vineyard work is still done by hand.
The winery of Clos de Vougeot stands at the center of the Côte de Nuit region. In medieval times, the wooden barn facilitated wine production on an industrial scale. The medieval building still contains four wooden grape presses. It also has enormous historic storage vats. The cellars have high vaulted ceilings. They can accommodate up to 2000 casks of wine. Guests can visit the historic winery. They can even see the dormitory of the lay brothers. It features original woodwork beams from the 1300s.
In 1551, a large château replaced the chapel and some smaller outbuildings. This created a more comfortable place to live. This château is privately owned. It hosts special events for the Chevaliers du Tastevin.
Founded in 1934, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin translates to Fraternity of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup. This exclusive society of Burgundian wine-lovers admits members from all over the world. Its total membership is over 12000. The Chevaliers du Tastevin meet up to seventeen times a year. They celebrate their love of Burgundian wine. Around 500 members are invited to Château de Clos de Vougeot. They enjoy a six-course Cordon Bleu meal. Each dish is paired with fine Burgundy wines. These events celebrate Burgundy, its wines, and its culture.
The Clos de Vougeot vineyards are still defined by the historic walls built 500 years ago. Only the pinot noir grape grows here. The Clos de Vougeot vineyard is famous for producing prestigious Grand Cru Pinot Noirs. Each area of soil is slightly different. The vineyards average 255 meters above sea level. The top end has coarse-grained, gravelly soil over limestone. The middle section has brown clay soils. The bottom has marl, rich clay, and alluvium over Jurassic-era rocks. These soils differentiate the flavors of the wines.
Clos de Vougeot wines generally display colors from raspberry red to deep garnet. They offer floral, blackberry, raspberry, mint, and truffle notes. They are relatively structured and very persistent on the palate. These wines offer outstanding aging potential. They can shine for up to 30 years.
So, next time you stroll along Rue du Clos de Vougeot, remember its namesake. Think of the dedication, history, and passion. These elements create one of the world’s most celebrated wines.