2020 Michel Noëllat Vosne-Romanee

Domaine Michel Noellat is in Vosne-Romanee, near Domaine Leroy. The 66-acre estate is owned and operated by brothers Alain and Jean-Marc Noellat, who are the fifth generation to run the enterprise. The brothers’ adult children, cousins Sophie and Sebastian, are now also involved in running the domaine. This large domaine has parcels in numerous appellations from Marsanny-la-Cote to Pommard. There are two Grand Crus, eight Premier Crus and numerous village wines. Altogether Domaine Michel Noellat has nearly 100 parcels in 22 appellations and produces about 90,000 bottles annually. Grand Cru parcels are in Clos Vougeot and Echezeaux. Premier Cru parcels are in both the Cote de Nuits and the Cote de Beaune. The family also has a small negociant business.

Vosne-Romanée is the most prestigious appellation in Burgundy. Its 449 acres of vineyards are in and around the village of Vosne-Romanée and they include renowned Grand Cru vineyards which produce some of the world’s most coveted – and costly —wines. The Grands Crus are Richebourg, La Romanée, Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Saint-Vivant and La Tâche. The Grand Crus Échezeaux and Grands- Échezeaux are actually located in the neighboring village of Flagey-Échezeaux, but legally they can be sold under the Vosne-Romanée appellation. There are also seventeen Premier Crus in Vosne-Romanée. Wine writer Clive Coates has called Vosne-Romanée “the greatest Pinot Noir village on earth” and notes that the appellation’s style “is for wines which are rich, austere, sensual, masculine and aristocratic.”

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.