Bouchard Père & Fils : Volnay 1er cru "Caillerets - Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" Domaine 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2018 from Bouchard Père & Fils

Tasting

Appearance

A deep, intense red hue defines this wine, enhanced by subtle violet highlights that speak to its youth.

Nose

The bouquet reveals lovely aromatic complexity, unveiling floral notes of violet and peony alongside slightly jammy red fruits. Mineral and smoky touches, characteristic of the limestone terroir, enrich the whole, while hints of blackcurrant, black plum and cocoa add an extra dimension.

Palate

The attack is full and generous, with a velvety texture carried by ripe, powdery tannins that are perfectly integrated. Concentration is remarkable, without ever compromising the elegance typical of the appellation. The finish—both delicate and persistent—extends aromas of red fruits and flowers, supported by impressive depth rather than acidity.

Food and wine pairings

This Volnay 1er cru Caillerets "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2018 pairs harmoniously with refined meats such as roast lamb or duck, particularly when served with light sauces or mushrooms. Feathered game such as pigeon or guinea fowl also makes an excellent match. Characterful aged cheeses and fine cured meats ideally round out this selection.

Serving and cellaring

The Volnay 1er cru Caillerets "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 17 and 18°C. A brief aeration before serving allows the wine to fully express itself.

A Volnay Premier Cru combining finesse and concentration

The estate

Founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, a textile merchant, the House Bouchard Père & Fils is one of Burgundy’s most venerable wine institutions. Since 2022, the estate has belonged to François Pinault via Artémis Domaines, which carried out a historic reorganization in 2025: the creation of Domaine des Cabottes, bringing together 35 hectares of the most prestigious parcels, while Bouchard Père & Fils retains its négociant activities. The entire vineyard spans 130 hectares across nearly one hundred climats of the Côte d'Or, including 12 hectares of grands crus and 74 hectares of premiers crus. The estate notably holds the monopole of Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus in Beaune and is the largest owner of Chevalier-Montrachet with 2.33 hectares.

The vineyard

The climat Les Caillerets is a 3.09-hectare monopole within the Volnay appellation, acquired by the Bouchard family as early as 1775, making this terroir the very first parcel in their wine-growing heritage. Its name comes from the small limestone pebbles, known as "chailles", that dot the soil. The vineyard enjoys an east to southeast exposure on a 15% slope, promoting optimal sunshine and excellent drainage. The clay-limestone soils rest on a fractured rocky plateau. Two sub-parcels make up this climat: Les Caillerets Porte, to the north and on a steep slope, where limestone prevails, bringing finesse and mineral tension, and Les Caillerets Travers, mid-slope, whose clay-limestone soils lend depth and concentration.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage is unanimously recognized as an exceptional year in Burgundy. Weather conditions during the harvest period made it possible to obtain grapes of remarkable density and concentration, while preserving the mineral, delicate characteristics for which Volnay is renowned. This vintage expresses terroir differences with particular clarity, allowing the limestone character of the soils to stand out distinctly.

Winemaking and aging

The Volnay 1er cru Caillerets "Ancienne Cuvée Carnot" 2018 harvest is carried out by hand in several passes, with the grapes picked into small crates to preserve the integrity of the berries. After meticulous sorting, vinification includes 20 to 30% whole clusters to bring energy and complexity. A cold soak at 12°C precedes natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by daily punch-downs adjusted according to tastings. Vatting lasts 12 to 20 days. Aging takes place over 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels, 35 to 40% of which are new. The two sub-parcels, vinified separately, are blended by hand at the end of aging. The wine is neither filtered nor fined before bottling.

Grape variety

100% pinot noir