Marquis d'Angerville
History and Background
Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, located in Volnay, Burgundy, France, has a history that dates back to the early 19th century. The estate is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines, particularly from the Premier Cru vineyards of Volnay. Under the current management of Guillaume d'Angerville, the domaine has maintained a strong commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices, earning it a prestigious reputation among Burgundy producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Marquis d'Angerville's vineyards are located in Volnay, within the prestigious Côte de Beaune region in Burgundy, France, covering approximately 15 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly limestone and marl, providing excellent drainage and favorable conditions for viticulture, contributing to the depth and elegance of the wines. These mineral-rich soils impart a distinct minerality and complexity to the wines, enhancing their ageability and flavor profile.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir, producing red wines that reflect the unique terroir characteristics. These wines are renowned for their finesse, aromatic purity, and the subtle expression of their specific vineyard sites. Each plot within the vineyards is carefully tended to preserve the varietal's delicate nuances, resulting in wines that are a true embodiment of Volnay's terroir.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Marquis d'Angerville wines are celebrated for their pristine elegance and complexity. Typically exhibiting a medium body, these wines charm with a refined balance of vivid red and black fruit flavors such as cherries, blackcurrants, and plums, intertwined with floral and spicy nuances, including violets and delicate pepper. Typical aromas also encompass earthy undertones, like forest floor and minerals, framed by subtle tobacco and cedar from careful oak aging. The wines possess bright acidity, contributing to a refreshing palate and providing a backbone that promises excellent aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At Marquis d'Angerville, the winemaking approach emphasizes a profound respect for terroir with a minimal intervention philosophy. This means allowing the vineyard to speak for itself, fostering the unique expressions of each plot through organic farming practices since 2006 and a move towards biodynamic methods. The estate avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers in the vineyard, relying on natural remedies and preparations. This nurtures not only the health of the vineyard but also enhances the distinctiveness of their wines.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The discerning vineyard management at Marquis d'Angerville importantly includes low yields, meticulous sorting of grapes, and careful timing of harvests to ensure optimal maturity and phenolic development. These practices ensure only the best grapes are used, which profoundly affects the quality and style of the wine. In the cellar, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, enhancing terroir-driven characteristics. The estate's restrained use of new French oak in aging allows the wine to develop complexity and texture without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. This precise balance of traditional and innovative techniques secures the wines' place among the most revered in Burgundy for their finesse, depth, and capacity to age gracefully.
Reputation
Marquis d'Angerville, located in the prestigious Burgundy region of France, specifically in Volnay, is a renowned wine producer with a rich history and a stellar reputation in the world of fine wines. The estate is particularly famous for its production of Pinot Noir, and it holds a significant position as a pioneer of domaine-bottling in Burgundy, a practice where a winery bottles its own wines, rather than selling the grapes to négociants or other entities. This practice, initiated during a time when most Burgundy wines were sold through négociants, set Marquis d'Angerville apart and established its reputation for authenticity and quality.
Another unique aspect contributing to their prestige is the estate's dedication to terroir-driven winemaking. They are staunch advocates of minimal interventionist approaches, favoring techniques that accurately express the unique characteristics of their vineyard sites. The estate owns some of the best parcels in Volnay, including prime sections of the renowned Clos des Ducs and Champans vineyards. These sites are known for their exceptional terroirs, which are meticulously maintained and farmed without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, adhering to biodynamic principles long before they became a trend in viticulture.
The combination of exceptional terroir, innovative practices in vineyard management, and a focus on expressing the natural character of the wine has ensured that Marquis d'Angerville remains a venerated name among Burgundy connoisseurs. Their wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Final Thoughts
Marquis d'Angerville, a distinguished wine producer in Burgundy’s Volnay appellation, is celebrated for crafting some of the most refined and elegant Pinot Noirs. This venerable estate, with its deep roots in the 19th century, has consistently prioritized terroir expression and meticulous viticulture. Under the stewardship of Guillaume d'Angerville, the winery has been a trailblazer in adopting biodynamic practices, enhancing the natural harmony and richness of the soil. Marquis d'Angerville's insistence on minimal intervention in the cellar ensures that each bottle distinctly reflects its vineyard origins, particularly from premier crus like Clos des Ducs and Champans. The estate’s commitment to purity, along with a reputation for longevity and finesse in their wines, firmly establishes Marquis d'Angerville among the elite of Burgundy producers, appreciated by connoisseurs and critics worldwide. Their approach not only preserves the legacy of their terroir but continually sets new benchmarks in the production of world-class Pinot Noir.