Overlooking the village of Aloxe-Corton, Les Valozières lies mid-slope and benefits from a southeastern exposure. This climat* is situated on a wet, deep and slightly steep-sided land. It takes its name from the type of crops previously grown on the site: willow (derived from the Frankish word ALISA, meaning willow or wicker).
VINIFICATION
In the winery, hands are busy at work around the sorting table, removing any grapes affected by potential foes of the vine such as botrytis cinerea fungus, downy mildew, powdery mildew, hail, or scalding etc. De-stemmed grapes and whole clusters are stacked in temperature-controlled stainless steel vat. We don’t like to interfere too much in the wine-cellar; we prefer nature to take its course and produce its own vintage. It is a time where we need our senses to be fully alert: we listen, observe, feel, touch and taste this organic matter during its transformation. After about a week of maceration, the fermentation process begins. At the beginning, we prefer to do “punching of the cap” to gently extract the liquids, and at the end of fermentation; we perform pumping over to adjust the tannin structure of the wine. The wine is then drawn off and some of the pressed grapes are added to this juice. Once assembled, the cuvée is placed in French oak barrels.
AGEING
During the ageing, which refers to the progression of wine between fermentation and bottling, the wine is allowed to rest so it can undergo processes of fining, stretching and harmonisation. This long storage period in oak casks bestows the wine with a greater degree of complexity and depth in terms of its structure. We take great care in the choice of our casks, we use wood from the forests of Allier, Vosges and Tronçais. This Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozières, is designed to be kept for many years, it is aged 15 months in 50% new wood casks (228L Burgundian tuns).
Details
Grape Variety
Pinot Noir
Age of vines
Between 50 and 60 years
Soil
The heavy clay soil allows for a useful water reserve. The soil’s constitution allows the vine to receive plenty of water through its roots.
Tasting Notes
Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozières can be distinguished on the nose by its fruity aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and spices. In the mouth, it can be characterized by its structure and its strength. A robust wine with ripe tannins, a firm body with great distinction. It can be kept for many years.
Accompaniments: Roast pigeon, coq au vin, simmered guinea fowl, goose with chestnuts, marinated venison, hash parmentier of veal, Saint-Nectaire cheese, Reblochon cheese...
Temperature of service : 14 °C