VOLNAY PREMIER CRU
ROBARDELLE 2014
VOLNAY PREMIER CRU
ROBARDELLE 2014
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Varietal
Tasting notes
Bouquet: The nose shows flavours of red and black fruits, especially red cherries with toasted hints of coffee and spices.
Palate: A full attack and a good structure in the mouth with aromas of raspberry, candied fruits and spices, present ripe tannins and a nice length of red cherries.
Food and wine pairing
Serving suggestions
Ageing potential
Origins
Vines were already grown here in Gallo-Roman times. In the Middle Ages, Volnay was a summer residence of the Dukes of Burgundy and later of the Dukes. The Knights Templar owned property and vines in Volnay, which were then bequeathed in the 14th century to the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament, founded by Philip the Bold. The typicality of these wines made from Pinot Noir grapes was recognised and mentioned as early as the beginning of the 18th century, and appellation status was established in 1937.
The origin of the name Robardelle comes from the location of this Premier Cru, not far from the old Roman road and quarries where highwaymen (robarts) could make a quick getaway.
Vinification and maturing
Vintage : 2014
After three difficult years, the start of the 2014 vintage remained just as challenging for winemakers, but surprisingly nice weather conditions paired with the winemakers' expertise allowed for a bountiful harvest and a promising vintage in terms of quality.
First, a warm and dry spring, which benefited the vines and preserved their good sanitary condition, led us to expect an abundant and early harvest. However, the harvest's expected volume was affected by a few occurrences of "coulure" (failure of grapes to develop after flowering).
Unfortunately, Mother Nature, along with variable weather conditions, put a damper on these positive perspectives in nearly all of France's winemaking regions.
Unlucky once again, Burgundy was hit by a horrible hailstorm on the 28th of June in the Côte de Beaune, which decimated - for the third consecutive year - the vineyards of Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay; nearby villages and a part of the vines in Côte de Nuits next to Vosne-Romanée also having been affected.
The summer was characterized by an absence of sunshine, so much so that the head start acquired at the beginning of the cycle was no longer relevant. A regular rain pattern settled in during July and August, postponing the onset of ripening which usually takes place by the end of July and beginning of August, and fueling the development of various diseases - oidium in southern France and mildew in the northern half.
Thankfully by August 20th, and with the changing phase of the moon, a miracle came - along with the return of beautiful weather. The sun, and the northern wind, made its appearance in the first days of September. This created ideal conditions for optimal maturation of the grapes and maintained their good sanitary condition.
In mid-September, the winemakers regained their optimism and the harvest began under the sun's warm rays. The harvested grapes already fulfilled some of their early promises by showing very nice balance and exhibiting intense colors. The vatting process took place unhindered and the alcoholic fermentation began spontaneously. The start of autumn, very mild, allowed for the malolactic fermentations to trigger quickly.
The 2014 vintage early appeared very promising and the volumes were relatively good, even if they do not quite compensate for the lack of quantity.
First, a warm and dry spring, which benefited the vines and preserved their good sanitary condition, led us to expect an abundant and early harvest. However, the harvest's expected volume was affected by a few occurrences of "coulure" (failure of grapes to develop after flowering).
Unfortunately, Mother Nature, along with variable weather conditions, put a damper on these positive perspectives in nearly all of France's winemaking regions.
Unlucky once again, Burgundy was hit by a horrible hailstorm on the 28th of June in the Côte de Beaune, which decimated - for the third consecutive year - the vineyards of Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay; nearby villages and a part of the vines in Côte de Nuits next to Vosne-Romanée also having been affected.
The summer was characterized by an absence of sunshine, so much so that the head start acquired at the beginning of the cycle was no longer relevant. A regular rain pattern settled in during July and August, postponing the onset of ripening which usually takes place by the end of July and beginning of August, and fueling the development of various diseases - oidium in southern France and mildew in the northern half.
Thankfully by August 20th, and with the changing phase of the moon, a miracle came - along with the return of beautiful weather. The sun, and the northern wind, made its appearance in the first days of September. This created ideal conditions for optimal maturation of the grapes and maintained their good sanitary condition.
In mid-September, the winemakers regained their optimism and the harvest began under the sun's warm rays. The harvested grapes already fulfilled some of their early promises by showing very nice balance and exhibiting intense colors. The vatting process took place unhindered and the alcoholic fermentation began spontaneously. The start of autumn, very mild, allowed for the malolactic fermentations to trigger quickly.
The 2014 vintage early appeared very promising and the volumes were relatively good, even if they do not quite compensate for the lack of quantity.
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