1999 Jean-Jacques Confuron Clos de Vougeot

Jean-Jacques Confuron is a 20-acre domain in Premeaux-Prissey, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits-St.-Georges. It is owned and operated by Alain and Sophie Meunier. The estate formerly belonged to Sophie’s father. The domain owns parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Romanee-St.-Vivant and Clos de Vougeot, as well as Premier Cru parcels in Vosne-Romanee, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-St.-Georges. Author Clive Coates has written that at Jean-Jacques Confuron “the quality of the wine is classy, poised and very fine. Alain Meunier’s wines deserve greater recognition.”

Clos de Vougeot is a walled vineyard that dominates the tiny commune of Vougeot in Burgundy’s Nuits-St.-Georges. The 124-acre Grand Cru vineyard includes a historic chateau that in 1945 was purchased by the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an organization devoted to promoting the traditions of Burgundy and its wines. The impressive chateau is the organization’s headquarters. Clos de Vougeot was established as a vineyard by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, then sold off to private owners after the French Revolution. The vineyard is unusual for a Grand Cru in that it includes land that runs down to the main road. The soil is light limestone with sand. Principal landowners are Chateau de la Tour, with 13 acres; Meo-Camuzet, 7.5 acres; Rebourseau, 5.5 acres; Louis Jadot, 5.3 acres; and Leroy, 5 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.