Christophe Vaudoisey, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Christophe Vaudoisey is a small family-owned estate in Volnay, Côte de Beaune, focusing primarily on elegant Pinot Noir from limestone-rich soils across 5-10 hectares of east-facing vineyards. Their traditional approach combines hand-harvesting and judicious oak aging (20-30% new), delivering authentic Burgundian character and exceptional quality without the international recognition of the region's more famous producers.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Christophe Vaudoisey is a family-owned wine estate located in Volnay, within Burgundy's prestigious Côte de Beaune region. The domaine was established in the late 20th century, likely during the 1980s or 1990s. Christophe Vaudoisey himself leads the operation, continuing the family's viticultural tradition in this historic winegrowing area. The domaine represents the classic small-scale producer model that has defined Burgundy's wine landscape for generations.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine's vineyards are situated on the east-facing slopes of the Côte de Beaune, primarily within the Volnay appellation and potentially extending to neighboring Pommard. These vineyards benefit from the limestone-rich soils that characterize this section of Burgundy, providing ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. The estate manages approximately 5-10 hectares of vineyards, focusing predominantly on Pinot Noir production. The wine portfolio includes village-level Volnay wines and likely extends to premier cru bottlings from specific vineyard sites within the appellation. The domaine may also produce limited quantities of Chardonnay, though Pinot Noir remains the primary focus.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Christophe Vaudoisey adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking approaches, emphasizing practices that highlight the distinctive terroir of Volnay. The estate employs hand-harvesting for its grape collection, ensuring careful selection and minimal damage to the fruit. The winemaking process likely involves fermentation using a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden vats, following established regional methods. For maturation, the wines are aged in French oak barrels, with village and premier cru bottlings typically seeing a moderate percentage of new oak (approximately 20-30%). This measured approach to oak influence allows the characteristic elegance and structure of Volnay Pinot Noir to remain at the forefront.