Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 'Clos des Chênes' 1er Cru 2022

Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 'Clos des Chênes' 1er Cru 2022
Côte de Beaune — Burgundy, France

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Producer
Volnay delivers a celestial elegance in its wines — always built on finesse and the beauty of delicate fruit (the Chambolle-Musigny of the south). In our search for wines of this expression, still at accessible prices (for now), there is no better addition than another deeply rooted, specialist grower — since our d’Angerville cuvées are always sold out.

Pierrick Bouley, sixth-generation vigneron, works biodynamically with vines averaging 60 years old, and proudly says: “I am a vigneron before a winemaker.” No additions or manipulations in his winemaking — including no added SO₂ until bottling.

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Score
90-93 Points — Jasper Morris

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Description
The Volnay 'Clos des Chênes' 1er Cru 2022, crafted by Pierrick Bouley, is a powerful and refined expression of one of the most iconic terroirs in the Côte de Beaune. From just 0.35 hectares of vineyard, rooted in thin, stony limestone soils with bedrock near the surface, this south- and southeast-facing parcel yields Pinot Noir of extraordinary concentration and elegance.

Since 2016, Bouley vinifies without sulfur at the start, seeking pure fruit aromas and vibrant freshness. After spontaneous fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in barrels, followed by light SO₂ addition at racking and a possible light filtration before bottling at the domaine.

This is the domaine’s flagship ageing wine, showcasing the full complexity of Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes, with a potential to cellar gracefully for over 20 years.

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Technical Details
• Producer: Domaine Pierrick Bouley
• Region: Côte de Beaune — Burgundy
• Appellation: Volnay 1er Cru AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Parcel: Clos des Chênes
• Area: 0.35 hectares
• Soil: Very thin, stony limestone
• Exposure: South / Southeast
• Farming: Organic practices (not certified)

Vinification:
• No SO₂ at start
• Spontaneous fermentation
• 12 months aging in barrels
• Light SO₂ addition at racking
• Possible light filtration
• Bottled at the domaine

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Tasting Notes
Discreet aromas of red and black berries, with nuances of forest floor, leather, and humus. The texture is broad and enveloping, marked by a firm tannic structure that softens with age — revealing layered woodland and earthy complexity.

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Pairing Suggestions
Perfect with refined game dishes such as pheasant with prunes, roast hare, or wild boar in grand veneur sauce. Shines at formal dinners or celebratory occasions.

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