Clos de Vougeot, also known as Clos Vougeot, is one of the most famous and emblematic vineyards in the Burgundy wine region of France, particularly within the Côte de Nuits area. This Grand Cru vineyard is steeped in history, with origins dating back to the 12th century when Cistercian monks first began cultivating grapes here.
**Location and Terroir:**
Clos de Vougeot is located in the village of Vougeot, between the towns of Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée. The vineyard covers approximately 50 hectares (about 124 acres), making it the largest single vineyard in Côte de Nuits designated as Grand Cru. The terroir varies significantly across the vineyard due to its size and slight variations in slope and aspect, which results in a range of wine styles from the various producers who own parcels here.
The soil in Clos de Vougeot is predominantly limestone mixed with marl, lending a distinct mineral quality to the wines. The best plots are generally considered to be those located higher up on the slope, where the soil is thinner and the limestone bedrock is closer to the surface.
**Wine Characteristics:**
Clos de Vougeot is exclusively red wine, made from Pinot Noir. The wines from this Grand Cru are known for their robust structure, deep complexity, and potential for aging. They typically exhibit flavors of red and black cherries, earth, and spices, with a firm tannic backbone and high acidity that can evolve gracefully over many years.
**Viticulture and Winemaking:**
Over 80 different owners hold parcels within Clos de Vougeot, leading to considerable diversity in winemaking approaches. Traditional methods, such as hand harvesting, natural fermentations, and aging in French oak barrels, are common, although specifics such as the proportion of new oak and the duration of aging vary by producer.
**Historical Significance:**
The iconic Château de Clos de Vougeot, situated within the vineyard, houses the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an influential wine society dedicated to promoting Burgundy. The château and its walls, which still enclose the vineyard, were built by the Cistercian monks and are a landmark of Burgundy's winemaking heritage.
**Modern Recognition:**
Despite the variability in style due to the different winemaking techniques and precise plot locations, Clos de Vougeot maintains a reputation as one of Burgundy's most prestigious and sought-after wines. It embodies the complexity and elegance that Burgundy wines are renowned for and continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s viticultural identity.
