H. de Chavigné et de Lavoreille - Volnay Clos de la Pousse D'Or 1949

Volnay Clos de la Pousse d'Or: An ode to the grace of Burgundy

In the heart of the Côte de Beaune, where rolling hills are adorned with vines, lies the village of Volnay - home to some of Burgundy's most elegant and perfumed red wines. And within this esteemed terroir, a special piece of land stands out: the Clos de la Pousse d'Or. This walled vineyard (Clos) is not only a Premier Cru of exceptional reputation, but epitomises the delicate power and sensual depth that Volnay has to offer like no other.

A Clos with history and prestige

The name itself - "Pousse d'Or" (Golden Sprout) - indicates the special value of this land that has been cultivated for centuries. The Clos, one of the few fully walled Premier Crus in Volnay, is located in the centre of the slope, just below the Grand Cru Corton. This location is crucial:

• Ideal exposure:a perfect south-east exposure guarantees optimal sunshine in the morning and early afternoon, without being exposed to the intense heat of the late afternoon.

• Soil composition:The upper parts of the Clos benefit from a relatively flat terrain with deep, calcareous soils rich in ferruginous oolite. This mineral subsoil gives the wine its characteristic finesse, straightforwardness and mineral depth.

The Domaine Pousse d'Or: guardian of a heritage

Since 1997, the name "Clos de la Pousse d'Or" has been inextricably linked with the domaine of the same name. Under the leadership of Patrick Landanger, the estate has developed into an absolute top producer and has helped the Clos to achieve a new, glamorous reputation. Landanger's philosophy is clear:

1. Respect for the terroir: minimalist interventions in the vineyard and cellar in order to make the Clos' very own voice audible.

2. Organic cultivation:Since 2005, the entire Clos has been cultivated according to organic principles, which promotes the vitality of the soil and the purity of the expression.

3. Selection and precision:Strict selection of the grapes, long, gentle destemming and moderate maceration. Vinification takes place in open wooden vats, and around 50-70% of the wine is matured in new French barriques (depending on the vintage), always with the aim of preserving the fruit and polishing the tannins to a silky smoothness.

In the glass: the poetry of the terroir

A Volnay Clos de la Pousse d'Or from the Domaine Pousse d'Or is a revelation of Burgundian finesse:

• The nose:An intoxicating bouquet that is immediately captivating. Ripe but never overripe red fruits - strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate - mingle with delicate floral notes (violet, rose) and a complex mineral base (damp stone, iron). With maturity, fine nuances of spice, undergrowth and a touching meaty note are added.

• The palate:This is where the real magic unfolds. The entry is soft and seductive, carried by juicy, crystal-clear fruit. The tannins are of remarkable quality: finely spun, silky yet present, they give the wine a wonderful structure without harshness. The acidity is lively, fresh and carries the flavours light as a feather across the tongue. The texture is velvety, almost flattering, but never heavy or intrusive. The minerality from the soil permeates the entire wine and lends depth and length.

• Length and development:The final note is long, pure and of great elegance. A young Clos de la Pousse d'Or is already fascinatingly accessible, but only reveals its full potential after 10-15 years (or more in outstanding vintages). It then develops an even more complex, harmonious depth while retaining its characteristic grace.

A ballet in red

The Volnay Clos de la Pousse d'Or, especially from the Domaine Pousse d'Or, is not a wine of brute force. It is a wine of nuance, finesse and sensual intelligence. It moves with the grace of a ballet dancer - light-footed, but with inner strength and expressiveness. It is the essence of what characterises Volnay: the ability to combine intensity with elegance, fruit with minerality, power with delicacy.

It is not just a Premier Cru, it is a monument to the art of Burgundian viticulture- a "Golden Sprout" that captures the soul of its unique terroir in a bottle year after year. A wine for connoisseurs, for romantics and for all those who want to experience the supreme poetry of Pinot Noir.