Louis Jadot Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre Monopole 2011

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1859, Maison Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most esteemed wine producers, known for its commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of the region. With vineyards spanning from the Côte d’Or to Beaujolais, the winery emphasizes traditional winemaking methods combined with modern techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality. Their philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the character of each vineyard to shine through in the final wine.

Producer and Winemaker

Louis Jadot’s winemaking team is led by Frédéric Barnier, who upholds the house’s dedication to quality and terroir expression. Under his guidance, the winery continues to produce wines that reflect the nuances of each vineyard site. The team employs sustainable viticulture practices and meticulous winemaking techniques to ensure that each bottle embodies the essence of its origin.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Clos de la Barre vineyard is a monopole owned exclusively by Louis Jadot, located in the heart of Volnay in the Côte de Beaune. This 1.32-hectare Premier Cru vineyard benefits from southeast-facing slopes and thin, chalky soils rich in calcium, contributing to the wine’s elegance and finesse. The region’s continental climate, with warm summers and cool winters, allows for optimal ripening of Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and refined tannins.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes from Clos de la Barre are hand-harvested and undergo traditional fermentation in open wooden vats, allowing for gentle extraction of color and tannins. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion being new oak, for approximately 18 months. This aging process imparts complexity and structure to the wine while preserving the delicate fruit characteristics inherent to Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

The 2011 vintage presents a deep ruby hue with a bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and subtle floral notes of violet and rose petals. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of red fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and a hint of spice. The wine’s fine tannins and balanced acidity contribute to a silky texture and a long, elegant finish, showcasing the hallmark finesse of Volnay Premier Cru wines.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its delicate structure and nuanced flavors. Ideal accompaniments include roasted poultry, duck confit, mushroom risotto, and grilled salmon. Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert also harmonize well with its profile. The wine’s elegance enhances the dining experience without overpowering the flavors of the food.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its complexity, serve this wine at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving can help open up its aromatic profile. Use Burgundy-style glasses to concentrate the delicate aromas and allow the wine to express its full range of flavors.

Storage and Aging Potential

Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with stable humidity—this wine can age gracefully for 10 to 15 years from the vintage date. Over time, it will develop more complex tertiary aromas, such as earthy notes and a richer mouthfeel, adding depth to its fresh fruit character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90 points

• Robert Parker: 90 points