Olivier Leflaive Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Angels 2020 75cl.

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

The production of Olivier Leflaive Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Angles 2020 follows the traditional Burgundy method, characterized by minimal intervention to allow the terroir and the purity of the Pinot Noir variety to fully express their typicity. Viticulture is practiced using "Lutte Raisonnée" (reasoned management), minimizing chemical treatments and promoting soil biodiversity. The grapes for Clos des Angles are harvested entirely by hand in small crates to prevent premature breakage. A first sorting takes place in the vineyard during harvesting, followed by a second sorting at the winery's sorting table to remove damaged or unripe bunches.

The grape bunches ferment and macerate in open oak or stainless steel vats for approximately 21 days. Traditional extraction techniques are applied, such as punch-down (manually submerging the cap of grape skins to gently extract color and tannins) and pump-over (pumping the must over the cap to keep it moist and promote fermentation).

In its first phase, it spends 12 months in French oak barrels. Only 28% of the barrels are new oak, so as not to mask the wine's delicate fruit aromas. In its second phase, it spends 4 months in stainless steel tanks. This period allows the wine to integrate, clarify naturally, and lock in its freshness before bottling. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in the barrels during the spring months.

The wine undergoes a very light clarification or filtration to preserve the velvety texture characteristic of Volnay Premier Cru wines before proceeding to final bottling.

View:

Intense and brilliant ruby red of medium-high intensity, with light garnet highlights towards the rim. Clean, crystalline, and very lively. It forms fine, well-defined tears in the glass that fall at a medium rate.

Nose:

From the first moment, notes of red and black stone fruit, such as black cherry, wild raspberry, and currant, dominate. Floral touches of violet and rose petals emerge, accompanied by hints of bitter orange peel, menthol, and tea leaves, very characteristic of the stems during maceration. The 28% new oak provides an elegant and subtle background with hints of pink peppercorn, clove, cedar, and fine vanilla.

Mouth:

A silky, velvety, and enveloping attack. The entry on the palate is juicy and very well-balanced. Fine-grained tannins, refined yet with a firmness above the average for Volnay (reflecting the vineyard's proximity to the Pommard area and the concentration of the 2020 vintage). It maintains a lively and vibrant acidity that structures the entire palate, providing great freshness and preventing any sensation of heaviness. Medium-bodied, ample, and with great structural finesse. A very long, persistent, and complex finish. It leaves a retronasal sensation imbued with cherry, sweet spices, and a touch of saline minerality. It is a dynamic wine that gains depth after 20 or 30 minutes in the glass, progressively opening up to nuances of undergrowth and dried fruit.

To complement its finesse without overshadowing it, the best pairings are based on delicately textured meats, game birds, mushrooms, and traditional French cuisine.

• Duck breast with cherry or raspberry reduction

• Roast Quail or Pheasant with Thyme and Rosemary

• Beef or veal tenderloin in red wine

• Rack or Loin of Lamb in its Own Juices

• Boeuf Bourguignon

• Risotto or Saute with Morels and Boletus

To avoid overpowering the delicacy of this 1er Cru, medium-intensity French cheeses are recommended:

• Époisses de Bourgogne

• Comté from 12 to 18 months

• Cîteaux or Brie de Meaux