Clos de la Chapelle

Clos de la Chapelle carries one of the longer documented histories in Volnay, with references tracing back to 1425 and ties to the Dukes of Burgundy. The vineyard was originally part of the celebrated Bousse d'Or lieu-dit and only received its current name in 1937, taking its identity from the chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié, built in 1540, which stands directly across from the parcel. Victor Boillot established the property around 1865, and the estate's reputation was significant enough that Louis Pasteur requested wine samples from here during his landmark research into wine diseases in the 1850s. Current ownership passed to Domaine Clos de la Chapelle in 2011.

• Historical documentation dates to 1425, among the oldest for any Volnay Premier Cru
• Separated from Bousse d'Or and renamed Clos de la Chapelle in 1937
• Louis Pasteur sourced samples from this estate for his wine science research
• Present-day ownership by Domaine Clos de la Chapelle established in 2011

At just 0.55 hectares, Clos de la Chapelle is a postage-stamp monopole sitting within the Volnay Premier Cru appellation on the Côte de Beaune. Elevations range from 220 to 280 meters, and the southeast aspect captures morning sun while providing some protection from afternoon heat. Soils are limestone-based with marl and clay, becoming more chalky and limestone-dominant at higher elevations within the parcel. This combination of well-drained limestone and moisture-retaining clay and marl is characteristic of the finest Volnay Premier Cru sites and contributes to the vineyard's reputation for producing wines of finesse rather than power.

• Southeast-facing aspect at 220 to 280 meters elevation
• Limestone, marl, and clay soils with increased chalk at higher elevations
• Continental Burgundian climate with pronounced diurnal temperature variation
• Monopole status means a single producer controls all fruit from this classified site

Clos de la Chapelle produces exclusively Pinot Noir, as befits any serious Volnay Premier Cru. The wines are defined by elegance and aromatic intensity rather than weight or structure. Expect pronounced perfume on the nose with red berries, violets, and rose petals alongside spice notes. On the palate, the wines reflect the vineyard's limestone-dominant soils with a refined texture and freshness that places them firmly in the classic Volnay style. The small parcel size and monopole ownership allow for meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking decisions that contribute to the site's consistent character.

• 100% Pinot Noir, the only permitted variety in Volnay
• Signature aromatic profile of red berries, violets, rose petals, and spice
• Elegant and refined style consistent with Volnay's reputation for finesse
• Limestone soils drive freshness and precision in the finished wine

As a monopole, Clos de la Chapelle is vinified exclusively by Domaine Clos de la Chapelle, which has held ownership since 2011. Louis Boillot and Fils is also noted in connection with the site, reflecting the Boillot family's long historical association with the property going back to Victor Boillot's founding of the estate around 1865. The tiny 0.55-hectare parcel means total production is extremely limited, and wines from this site are sought after by collectors and Burgundy specialists. Availability outside of primary allocation channels is limited, and prices reflect both the Premier Cru status and the rarity imposed by monopole production.