Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/735024
92 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 { somm journal seminar series } DOMAINE DE LA VOUGERAIE 2013 1er Cru Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot Monopole (SRP $155) Known as the "white vineyard" in the Côtes de Nuits, the walled parcel Le Clos Blanc—surrounded by Pinot Noir vineyards—is an undivided property, and a monopole, with such prestigious neighbors in Chambolle-Musigny as Musigny and Les Amoureuses. The soil is calcareous with a silty clay subsoil— ideal for Chardonnay (with 4% Pinot Gris and 1% Pinot Blanc blended in). "La Vougeraie" refers to the home of the Boisset family. Jean-Claude Boisset started the family business in 1961; today it is in the hands of his children, Natalie and Jean-Charles Boisset. The domaine evokes terroir through the use of organic cultivation practices to ensure a "living soil" that showcases purity in the wines. Biodynamic farming is now practiced in 100% of the estate, including horse-plowed vineyards, a "winemaker's herborium" and an herb-drying and infusion preparation room. "It's a highly complex wine," commented Nico J. Snyman, Sommelier from restaurant Joël Robuchon, who also spoke with presenter Bibiana Escobedo-Snyman from V. Nopole Brand Development, who represented Boisset Collection. "The wine has a viscous mouthfeel with vanilla-citrus intensity, finishing with slight phenols due to varietal make-up and terroir." Fermented in 30 percent new French oak, with lees stirring once monthly in accordance with the moon cycles, it shows freshness which offsets the intensity off the wine. This is a wine to be enjoyed for the following five to ten years." BOISSET COLLECTION { somm journal seminar series } FRANCE Bibiana Escobedo- Snyman and Joël Robuchon Sommelier Nico Snyman discuss wines of Domaine de la Vougeraie.