Volnay
Volnay
With Meursault and Pommard famous for rich, opulent Chardonnay and deep, powerful Pinot Noir respectively, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the wines of neighbouring Volnay were made from the same bold stuff. Not quite. Volnay's wines are some of the softest, lightest, most ethereal Burgundy red wines that you'll find, with silky fruit and a delicate, feminine structure. More than half of Volnay's vineyards are classed Premier Cru, which shows the quality of the commune's terroir. As with most high-quality Burgundy regions free-draining limestone-clay soils bless the best vineyards in Volnay, along with a mid-slope altitude of between 250 and 300 metres and a south-easterly aspect which helps catch the morning and afternoon sun, promoting ripening and flavour development. Volnay may not be as outspoken as its illustrious neighbours, but for lovers of delicately balanced, velvety red wines this appellation is worth further investigation.
