2013 Jessiaume Volnay Brouillards

Jessiaume has been a Santenay domaine since 1850, when the Jessiaume family started making wine there. The 37-acre estate includes important Premier Cru parcels in Les Gravières; the Beaune Premier Cru Les Cent Vignes; the Volnay Premier Cru Les Brouillards; and the Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru Les Ecusseaux. The estate is today owned by David Murray, a Scottish entrepreneur and former owner of the Rangers Football Club. Under Murray’s leadership Jessiaume in 2008 also became a negociant. As a negociant, Maison Jessiaume produces Grand Crus from Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot and Echezeaux, among other appellations. Village wines are also made. Wine Advocate’s reviewer wrote that several Grand Crus are “worth seeking out,” and a couple of the Premier Crus “punch above their weight. I have a feeling that this is a producer that has more to offer in the future….”

Volnay is a small appellation with just 904 vineyard acres and a town of fewer than 500 residents. Nevertheless, to Burgundy enthusiasts, it's a jewel. Clive Coates calls Volnay “one of the most delightful wines and one of the most rewarding communes in the Côte d’Or.” Robert M. Parker Jr. described Volnay as “the queen of the Côte de Beaune.” Volnay has always been appealing. In the 13th and 14th centuries the powerful Dukes of Burgundy acquired land there and built chateaux. The medieval town sits on the hillside above the vineyards and the appellation is restricted to red wines made of Pinot Noir. Though there are no Grands Crus, there are 35 Premiers Crus. Some reviewers say the lighter soil of Volnay, compared with Pommard to the north, makes Volnay wines more delicate and elegant than wines from neighboring appellations. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that Volnay has a “high-quality level of winemaking…The top Volnays possess an immense, seductive fruitiness and lushness…”

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.

Alt name: Domaine Jessiaume