Volnay Vieilles Vignes 2023 Domaine Delagrange

The Volnay Vieilles Vignes 2023 from Domaine Delagrange is the signature village cuvée of this family domaine rooted in Volnay for six generations, and the most accessible entry point into the refined and precise world that Didier and Alexis Delagrange cultivate vintage after vintage. A refined nose, a frank and fresh palate. The density and charm of old vines. Very elegant. A village Pinot Noir that speaks entirely to the domaine's philosophy: healthy soils, manual harvest, indigenous yeast fermentation and moderate ageing that allows the site and vintage to express themselves freely.

Terroir and the vines

Domaine Delagrange works several parcels of old vines in Volnay village appellation, planted on the clay-limestone soils characteristic of the Volnay slopes, between 240 and 280 metres altitude, facing east to south-east. These vines, planted respectably during the 1960s to 1980s, are ideally positioned within Volnay's territoire, close to the premiers crus and benefiting from the same limestone and clay geological foundation that gives the appellation's wines their lightness, floral finesse and natural delicate tannins. Viticulture is sustainable, with constant attention to soil health and balanced vine vigour. Grapes are picked manually at full phenolic ripeness. Winemaking is conducted gently and naturally: 100% destemmed, cold pre-fermentation maceration, 12 to 16 days cuvaison with gentle pump-overs, indigenous yeast fermentation. Ageing lasts 12 to 14 months, mainly in older barrels with only 20% new oak, then transferred to stainless steel to preserve all the elegance and freshness of the Pinot Noir.

Tasting profile

The colour is a fine deep red with purple glints, vivid and brilliant. The nose evokes dark berries, blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant, with a violet floral touch and a light delicate, precise spice note. In the 2023 vintage, marked by the remarkable freshness natural to the Côte de Beaune, these aromas express themselves with particular frankness and vitality. On the palate, finesse and balance will delight the most demanding tasters. The silky tannins characteristic of the most delicate Volnays enfold frank and fresh matter, carried by well-integrated natural acidity that brings tension and length. The density and charm of old vines show in the depth and persistence of the finish. A very seductive wine, with brilliant colour and beautiful ruby red, cherry and blackcurrant, with perceptible, well-integrated oak. Drink from now with pleasure and capable of fine evolution over five to seven years.

The domaine

The Delagrange family have been vignerons in Volnay since the 15th century, and the domaine was formally established in 1978. Didier and Hélène Delagrange took over the family vines in 2003, continuing a winemaking tradition rooted in the finest parcels of the Côte de Beaune. Since 2017, their son Alexis, trained in renowned vineyards of the New World, brings a fresh perspective that blends modernity and tradition, progress and respect for the land. The domaine extends across some fifteen hectares from Aloxe-Corton to Meursault, with a consistent philosophy: healthy soils, manual harvest, natural fermentations and moderate ageing for wines that faithfully express the site and vintage.

Food pairings

This Volnay Vieilles Vignes pairs beautifully with roasted or slowly braised poultry: Bresse chicken with cream, guinea fowl with cabbage or capon poached. It also pairs well with rabbit with mustard, veal fillet with wild mushrooms, fine country terrine or soft paste cheeses such as Époisses or Brillat-Savarin. Served between 15 and 16 °C, with gentle decanting of 30 minutes recommended, it will reveal all the fruity finesse, silky delicacy and absolute typicity of a Volnay from old vines signed by a family that has cultivated this terroir for six generations.