Alain Hudelot-Noellat
Summary
Domaine Hudelot-Noellat is a rising star Burgundy estate in Vougeot with 10 hectares across the Côte de Nuits, producing primarily Pinot Noir from Grand Cru parcels in Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, and Clos de Vougeot. Led by Charles Van Canneyt since 2008, the domaine practices sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention, creating wines known for their purity and precise terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Hudelot-Noellat was established in 1964 by Alain Hudelot-Noellat in the village of Vougeot. The domaine represents a fusion of two Burgundian families through Alain's marriage to Odile Noellat, whose family possessed significant vineyard holdings in the Côte de Nuits. In 2008, leadership transitioned to Charles van Canneyt, Alain's grandson, who maintains direct oversight of both vineyard management and winemaking operations. The domaine's headquarters remain in their original location in Vougeot, where all wine production takes place.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine manages 10 hectares of vineyards across premier sites in the Côte de Nuits. Their grand cru holdings include parcels in Romanée-Saint-Vivant (0.28 hectares) and Richebourg (0.15 hectares). Additional holdings span premier cru and village level plots in Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. The vineyards are planted predominantly to Pinot Noir, with vines averaging 45-50 years of age. These mature vines contribute to naturally controlled yields across all parcels.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Hudelot-Noellat adheres to traditional Burgundian methods. Red wine production involves complete destemming of the grapes. The aging protocol varies by wine level: village wines see 20-30% new oak barrels, while grand cru wines may be aged in up to 100% new oak. All wines undergo 15-18 months of barrel aging before bottling. This measured approach to oak usage aims to complement rather than overshadow the fruit characteristics of each specific vineyard site.