Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret have 25 ha of Pinot Noir vines planted in Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru. The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 240-270 metres and is gently sloping. The soil at the top of the slope is limestones with low clay content, while the lower part of the vineyard has deeper soil layers over marl. The vines are on average 78 years old. Alexandre practices sustainable viticulture, 'la lutte raisonnée', using manure and compost with a focus on improving soil health.

Following the challenges of 2021, the 2022 vintage in Burgundy was characterised by abundance and excellence. Despite heatwaves and the largest drought in Burgundy since 1976, 2022 emerged as a generous vintage, with excellent quality and yields far exceeding the three previous years. The growing season began with a cold winter, which delayed budburst and ensured most vineyards escaped April frosts unscathed. Optimal spring conditions followed and the vines grew quickly, with flowering taking place in mid-May. The summer was hot and dry, yet rain showers at the end of June replenished water reserves and allowed vines to thrive. Harvest began at the end of August and lasted until mid-September and the quality of the fruit harvested was excellent, with vibrant aromatics and balancing acidity.

The grapes were destemmed and underwent a cold maceration for four to five days to obtain colour, aroma and tannin. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at 30ºC for 12-15 days. A gentle pressing of the grapes extracted a good level of tannins. The free run juice and the press juice were then blended in stainless steel tanks before being run off by gravity into new French oak barrels. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then further aged for a period of 18-22 months. Finally the wine was bottled without filtering.