Domaine Jean Grivot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2021

Winery Background and History

Domaine Jean Grivot, established in 1919 by Gaston Grivot, is a family-owned estate located in Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy. The domaine has been instrumental in elevating the reputation of the Côte de Nuits. Under the stewardship of Étienne Grivot and now his daughter Mathilde, the estate emphasizes organic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Their holdings span 22 appellations, including prestigious Grand Crus like Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, and Richebourg. The Grivots are known for producing wines that reflect the purity and complexity of their terroirs.

Producer and Winemaker

Mathilde Grivot, representing the fifth generation, currently leads the winemaking at Domaine Jean Grivot. She upholds the family’s commitment to expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard. Mathilde employs sustainable practices, including organic farming without certification, and focuses on producing wines with balance, elegance, and depth. Her approach combines traditional methods with modern precision to craft wines that are both expressive and age-worthy.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru vineyard is a historic walled vineyard in the Côte de Nuits. Domaine Jean Grivot owns 1.86 hectares in the lower section of the Clos, where the soils are deep and rich in clay and limestone. The vines, averaging 40 years old, benefit from a continental climate with warm summers and cool winters, allowing for slow and even ripening. This terroir contributes to the wine’s power, structure, and complexity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed to preserve fruit purity. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, with 40-70% new oak, and then rests for an additional 2 months in tank before bottling. This process enhances the wine’s complexity while maintaining its vibrant fruit character.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru offers aromas of red berries, herbs, and purple flowers. On the palate, it is rich with ripe fruit, medium-bodied, and exhibits bright acidity and fine tannins. Aging in new Burgundian oak brings notes of vanilla, toast, and baking spices. The wine’s structure and minerality provide a saliva-inducing, sapid finish, showcasing its class and sophistication.

Food & Wine Pairing

This elegant Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted game birds, grilled duck breast, and dishes featuring mushrooms or black truffles. Its high acidity and medium body complement rich, umami-laden dishes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

Service Methods and Temperatures

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–64°F)

• Decanting: Recommended for 1–2 hours to allow the wine to open up and reveal its complex aromas and flavors.

Storage and Aging Potential

While approachable in its youth, the 2021 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has the potential to age gracefully over the next 10–15 years. Proper cellaring in a cool, dark environment will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and tertiary aromas, enhancing its depth and character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.6%

Scores

• Vinous (Neal Martin): 93–95

• Wine Spectator: 95