Follin Arbelet
History and Background
Domaine Follin-Arbelet, located in Aloxe-Corton, Burgundy, France, has a history that dates back several generations. The estate is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Under the current management of Franck Follin-Arbelet, the domaine has maintained a strong commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices, earning it a respected place among Burgundy producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Follin Arbelet's vineyards are located in Aloxe-Corton, Burgundy, France, covering approximately 4 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly clay and limestone, providing excellent drainage and a favorable mineral profile which contribute to robust and complex flavor profiles in the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir, producing red wines that reflect the unique terroir characteristics of Aloxe-Corton. These wines are known for their elegance, depth, and capacity to age gracefully owing to the intricate balance of acidity and tannins facilitated by the unique soil and climate conditions.
The small production scale and the meticulous vineyard practices allow Follin Arbelet to maintain high-quality standards, making their wines highly sought after for their authenticity and expression of pure terroir.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Follin Arbelet's wines are renowned for their finesse and depth, characterized by a robust palette of flavors including cherry, blackcurrant, and earthy notes, enhanced by nuances of minerals and herbs. These wines typically possess a medium to full body, underscored by vibrant acidity that lends a refreshing quality. The tannins are typically well-structured and contribute to the wines' considerable aging potential. Aromatic profiles often combine fruitiness with subtle spicy and floral undertones, creating a harmonious and complex bouquet.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Follin Arbelet adheres to a philosophy centered on the meticulous expression of terroir, emphasizing minimal intervention to allow the natural qualities of the vineyard to shine through. The winery employs traditional methods, such as using native yeasts for fermentation and avoiding excessive manipulation of the wine during the winemaking process. This respect for tradition is balanced with an openness to modern techniques that enhance the natural characteristics of the grapes and the unique aspects of their specific vineyard sites.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The influence of both vineyard management and winemaking techniques on the style and quality of Follin Arbelet wines is profound. Precision in the vineyard, including careful canopy management and controlled yields, ensures high-quality fruit that forms the foundation of their wines' complexity and depth. In the winery, the judicious use of oak aging allows for the development of additional layers of flavor without overpowering the inherent attributes of the fruit. This strategic combination of traditional and innovative practices helps to produce distinctively elegant wines that are both reflective of their origins and capable of evolving beautifully over time.
Reputation
Follin-Arbelet is a renowned wine producer based in the Burgundy region of France, particularly noted for crafting wines from some of the most prestigious appellations in Aloxe-Corton, including grand cru vineyards like Corton-Charlemagne and Corton. This domaine is relatively young by Burgundian standards, having been established by Franck Follin-Arbelet in the 1990s. Despite its recent foundation, Follin-Arbelet has quickly garnered respect and acclaim for their commitment to traditional winemaking techniques.
What sets Follin-Arbelet apart is their meticulous focus on expressing terroir. They use only estate-grown grapes, which allows for a rigorous control of the cultivation process. The winemaking approach is decidedly low intervention, emphasizing the natural characteristics of the grape and the unique aspects of each vintage. This includes practices such as hand-picking the grapes, using natural yeast for fermentation, and minimizing the use of new oak to ensure that the varietal and the terroir shine through.
Their wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age, embodying the essence of traditional Burgundian winemaking while showcasing the distinctiveness of their specific vineyard sites. The prestige of Follin-Arbelet, therefore, is closely tied to their ability to produce nuanced and expressive wines that are deeply reflective of their origins.
Final Thoughts
Follin-Arbelet has earned a distinguished reputation in the Burgundy region, particularly noteworthy for their meticulous vineyard management and winemaking approaches that underscore a deep respect for terroir. Operating out of Aloxe-Corton, the domaine, although not the largest, distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to expressing the individual character of each vineyard plot. Franck Follin-Arbelet’s preference for tradition over trends in winemaking ensures that each bottle offers a pure and authentic taste of their specific locales. His commitment extends to a selective production process that involves handpicking grapes and favoring age-old vinification methods. These practices contribute to producing consistently high-quality wines, a hallmark of the domaine, that are celebrated for their elegance and the ability to age gracefully, winning accolades and respect among Burgundy connoisseurs worldwide.