Domaine des Varoilles
The Clos des Varoilles is one of those on which there are the oldest documents. This climate was planted before the 12th Century.
The Chapter of Langres bought a first plot in 1272, for 75 Dijon soil (the soil was worth 12 Deniers). In 1319, he made a new acquisition of 25 and a half works, and in 1329, he bought the rest of the climat, for 60 sols. This property remained in the possession of the Chapter of Langres until 1792. This vineyard was then sold as “National Property”. Monopoly of the Domaine, the “Clos des Varoilles” produces one of the very great wines of Gevrey-Chambertin, which is also classified as “Première Cuvée”. Here is what Gaston Roupnel, the great Burgundian writer wrote: “Directly surmounting the Rue Haute, the Côte Saint-Jacques aligns a whole row of famous vintages: the Cazetiers, the Grandes-Charmes, the Clos Saint-Jacques, the Clos of the Chapter, and finally the Famous Varoilles.
Nothing in Burgundy perhaps equals the firm splendor of these rich, full-bodied wines with a robust tone. Age alone can in the long run appease their almost barbaric strength. But when the years have ripened them, these great dark wines settle down and are perfumed with a scent of spring and violets ”. … And Camille Rodier, one of the founders of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, in his book “The Wines of Burgundy” after quoting Charmes-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Ruchottes-Chambertin, etc., adds: “Let us observe, however, that other vineyards in this commune are nonetheless of equal, sometimes even superior, value and quality. Such as: Varoilles, Clos Saint-Jacques, Cazetiers ...
Full of breadth, sap at the same time as elegance, with its fragrance compared to that of violet, Clos des Varoilles is a perfect wine to keep.
The vineyards of the Domaine
The Domaine des Varoilles owns 10 hectares of vineyards in the most famous climates.
In Burgundy, the role of the terroir is decisive. The best soils are marls, that is to say loose clay and limestone rocks. Pinot Noir likes fairly calcareous and well-drained marly soils. If the soil is deep, clayey or silty, Pinot will give a more full-bodied wine.
It is at medium altitude, on a slope where limestone dominates, that this noble grape variety gives us the most prestigious wine. The soil of Burgundy, by its diversity, gives a marvelous example of the influence it has on wines. The terroirs explain the variety of wines, each one having its own typicity.
Brand’s Highlights:
One of the known oldest estates since the 12th century
Certain climats (cadastral appellations) were planted before the 12th century
Owns 4 monopoly premiers crus
Wines are regularly mentioned in reviews and specialized guides