2009 Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot Clos de Vougeot

Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot is owned and operated by the Confuron family, which has been making wine in Vosne-Romanée since the 17th century. The family is so famous and established in the region that there is a Pinot Noir grape clone named after them, Pinot Confuron. The estate’s 30 acres of vineyards include legendary Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages parcels, none of which has ever been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Long before biodynamic farming became a movement, the Confurons were farming organically. Brothers Yves and Jean-Pierre run the estate today, with help from their parents. The domaine is known for whole cluster fermentation and a deep, dark, classically concentrated style that is considered by Burgundy aficionados to be distinctly old school, and highly impressive.

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.