2004 Francois Gaunoux Volnay Clos Des Chenes

Francois Gaunoux has a long and distinguished history in Meursault, Burgundy. The Gaunoux family has been involved in winemaking in the Cote d’Or for centuries, and Francois is the son of the late Henri Gaunoux, who was a renowned winemaker. Francois started working in the vineyards at age 15, and for nearly 30 years was president of the Committee of Viticulture of the Cote d’Or. The 25-acre estate is now run by Francois and his daughter Claudine. Francois Gaunoux produces Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Of particular note are the estate’s Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay and Pommard.

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.