Volnay wine: elegant Pinot Noir from the Côte de Beaune
Volnay sits between Pommard and Meursault in the Côte de Beaune, and it is known for some of the most elegant red wines in all of Burgundy. The appellation was recognised in 1937 and covers red wine from Pinot Noir only. There is no grand cru in Volnay, but more than half of the vineyard area is classified premier cru, an unusually high share for a village on the Côte d'Or.
Where neighbouring Pommard makes dense, tannic wines, a typical Volnay is lighter and more perfumed. Think violets, cherries and red berries, with fine, silky tannins. That makes Volnay a natural way into red Burgundy, even for drinkers who usually prefer bigger wines.
Volnay Premier Cru: Caillerets, Clos des Chênes, Taillepieds and Santenots
Volnay has around thirty premier cru vineyards. The best known include Les Caillerets, Clos des Chênes and Taillepieds, which often give the finest and most mineral wines, along with Champans, Fremiets, Brouillards and Clos des Ducs right next to the village.
Santenots is a special case. The vineyard lies in the neighbouring commune of Meursault, but when it is planted with Pinot Noir the wine is sold as Volnay premier cru, usually labelled Volnay-Santenots or Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots. White wine from the same vineyard is labelled Meursault. Santenots du Milieu is one of the best-known parts, and its wines are often described as a little fuller and firmer than those from the slope by the village.
Several vineyards are monopoles, owned by a single producer. Clos des Ducs belongs to Marquis d'Angerville, and Domaine de la Pousse d'Or owns both Clos de la Bousse d'Or and Clos des 60 Ouvrées, a walled parcel inside Caillerets.
The producers: from Marquis d'Angerville to Comtes Lafon
For many, Marquis d'Angerville is the reference point in Volnay, with Clos des Ducs, Champans, Caillerets, Fremiets and Clos des Angles. Domaine Michel Lafarge makes Caillerets, Clos des Chênes, Pitures and other premiers crus, and Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault is best known here for its Volnay Santenots du Milieu.
You will also find Domaine de Montille's Taillepieds, Domaine de la Pousse d'Or, Bouchard Père & Fils with Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot, Nicolas Rossignol, Domaine Matrot, Chavy-Chouet, Comte Armand, Jean-Marc Bouley, Domaine Parigot, Domaine de la Vougeraie and Hubert Lignier. Vintages run from mature bottles of the 1990s to the newest releases.
Volnay with food
Its finesse makes Volnay a very versatile food wine. Roast chicken, guinea fowl and duck are classic matches, and veal, mushrooms and truffle dishes work well too. A young village Volnay can even take salmon or tuna, while a mature premier cru is happiest with simple dishes that let the wine speak. Serve it at 15 to 16°C. To explore the grape further, see our Pinot Noir or browse all our red wine.
Volnay FAQ
What is the difference between Volnay and Pommard?
The two villages sit side by side and both grow Pinot Noir. Volnay usually gives lighter, more floral and elegant wines, Pommard denser and more tannic ones.
Is there a white Volnay?
No. The Volnay appellation is for red wine only. White wine from the same slopes is sold under other names, for example as Meursault from the Santenots. If you are after white Burgundy, have a look at Meursault.
What is Volnay-Santenots?
Red wine from the Les Santenots vineyard, which lies in Meursault but under the rules is sold as Volnay premier cru when it is made from Pinot Noir.
How long can you age Volnay?
A village Volnay is often ready after three to five years. A premier cru from a good vintage and a good producer can develop for ten years or more.