Le Village (1er Cru, Monthélie)

Le Village sits east of the village of Monthélie, in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy. Its position near the Volnay border is significant: it places the vineyard in close proximity to one of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated communes, and the wines reflect that geographical kinship. The vineyard occupies slopes ranging from 230 to 370 meters in elevation, with a predominantly south and south-east facing aspect that maximizes sun exposure across the growing season.

• Adjacent to the Volnay appellation boundary to the east
• South and south-east aspect ensures reliable ripening
• Elevation range of 230 to 370 meters offers good drainage and temperature variation

The soils of Le Village are classic Côte de Beaune in character: Bathonian gravelly limestone forms the base, topped with red clay and marl. The high limestone content promotes excellent drainage and contributes the mineral backbone that defines quality Burgundian Pinot Noir. The climate is broadly cool and oceanic, with additional continental and southern influences that can moderate temperatures and affect vintage variation. This combination of well-drained, limestone-rich soils and a cool growing environment produces wines of freshness and structure.

• Bathonian gravelly limestone with red clay and marl topsoil
• High limestone content drives drainage and mineral character
• Cool oceanic climate with continental and southern perturbations

Viticulture in Monthélie has roots stretching back approximately a thousand years. Monks from the Abbey of Cluny are credited with planting the first vines around the year 1000, establishing a tradition of careful winegrowing that would shape the appellation for centuries. Monthélie itself received appellation status in 1937, and Le Village was elevated to Premier Cru classification in 1970. It is one of 15 Premier Cru sites recognised within the commune, a designation that reflects both the quality of its terroir and its longstanding reputation among Burgundy's producers and négociants.

• Monastic viticulture established around the year 1000 by Cluny monks
• Monthélie appellation created in 1937
• Premier Cru status granted in 1970
• One of 15 Premier Cru vineyards in Monthélie

Le Village produces red wine exclusively from Pinot Noir, aged in oak barrels. The style is soft and fruity, with a feminine character that draws frequent comparison to Volnay, the prestigious neighbour to the east. In youth, wines display aromas of cherry and blackcurrant alongside floral notes of violet and peony. With bottle age, these primary characteristics evolve toward more complex tertiary notes of undergrowth, fern, and spice. The combination of well-drained limestone soils, a cool climate, and careful oak aging gives these wines both immediacy in their fruit expression and genuine potential for development.