Volnay 1er Cru: Elegance in a Glass

There are no grand crus within Volnay, making the ceiling for quality within the region premier cru. What I love about Volnay 1er cru is that it offers more complexity and depth on the palate than a simple village Volnay. There is something about the ripeness of fruit — especially in recent warmer years like 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022 — that offers the same sort of pleasure that many look for further north in places like Chambolle-Musigny. Structurally, the tannins are quite similar: soft, refined, and easy to enjoy young. But even in cooler or more refined vintages, like 2007, 2014, and 2017, Volnay 1er Cru offers delicacy combined with energy in a way unlike any other red wine in the Côte d’Or.