Arlot
History and Background
Domaine de l'Arlot, located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, traces its origins to the late 18th century with Jean-Charles Vienot, who established the Clos de l'Arlot. Under Jules Belin's ownership in 1891, the estate expanded, notably with the acquisition of Clos des Forêts Saint Georges. In 1987, AXA Millésimes took over, further enlarging the domaine with significant plots in Vosne Romanée. The domaine has seen several leadership changes, most recently with Géraldine Godot taking the winemaking reins.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine de l'Arlot's vineyards are situated in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy, France, covering approximately 14 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage and enhancing the minerality of the wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay, producing highly regarded wines from appellations such as Nuits-Saint-Georges and Romanée-Saint-Vivant.
Wine Style and Production
Domaine de l'Arlot's wines are renowned for their refined elegance and structured complexity. They typically exhibit a rich palette of flavors including blackcurrant, plum, and layers of spicy nuances. Aromatic hints of tobacco and cedar are also prominent, enhancing the overall olfactory experience. These wines are marked by their vivacity, underscored by robust tannins that promise remarkable aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At Arlot, the winemaking approach is deeply rooted in a philosophy that aims to faithfully reflect the distinct character of its terroir. By embracing both traditional techniques and modern innovations, the estate commits to sustainable and organic practices, highlighting the importance of maintaining ecological balance within their vineyards. This includes hand-harvesting and the strategic practice of green harvesting to control yield and maximize grape quality.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The vineyard management and winemaking practices at Arlot have a profound impact on the style and quality of their wines. The aging process in French oak barrels not only imparts subtle woody flavors but also significantly contributes to the complexity and depth of the wines. This meticulous approach to both vineyard management and winemaking is fundamental in crafting wines that are both powerful and delicate, celebrated for their sophistication and capacity to evolve beautifully over time.
Reputation
Domaine de l'Arlot is a highly regarded wine producer located in Burgundy, France, with a reputation for creating exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Their wines are especially known for their finesse, depth, and complexity. One of the unique aspects of Arlot is their commitment to organic viticulture, enhancing the purity and expression of their terroir. This dedication to low-intervention farming techniques, along with meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and the cellar, has elevated their status in the wine community.
Domaine de l'Arlot controls two esteemed Premier Cru vineyards in Nuits-Saint-Georges — Clos des Forêts Saint Georges and Clos de l'Arlot — each providing distinct characteristics to their wines due to variations in soil composition and microclimates. Nurturing older vine stocks, some over 50 years old, allows Arlot to produce wines with intense concentration and a profound sense of place. Their approach to winemaking emphasizes minimal interference, enabling a genuine expression of each vintage. This combination of prestigious terroir, sustainable practices, and the historical depth adds significantly to Arlot’s prestige in the world of fine wines.
Final Thoughts
Domaine de l'Arlot stands out in the Burgundy wine landscape for its dedicated approach to crafting expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, keeping authenticity and terroir at the forefront. Located in the Côte de Nuits, the domaine meticulously practices organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring each vineyard parcel reflects its inherent characteristics. Arlot's wines are renowned for their elegance, purity, and depth, particularly their prestigious monopole vineyards, Clos des Forêts Saint Georges and Clos de l'Arlot. Their commitment to low-intervention winemaking allows the subtle differences between vintages and vineyards to shine through, offering a sophisticated, nuanced experience that highlights the unique qualities of their Nuits-Saint-Georges and Vosne-Romanée origins. This thoughtful and refined approach to viticulture and viniculture garners Arlot frequent acclaim and positions them prominently in the domain of fine French wines.