2018 Blain-Gagnard Volnay Les Pitures

Blain-Gagnard is a 20-acre estate in Chassange. It is owned and operated by Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claudine Blain Gagnard, whose late father was the much admired vigneron Jacques Gagnard. The domain has Grand Cru parcels in Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Criots-Batard-Montrachet, and white and red Premier Crus in Chassange-Montrachet. Clive Coates has called the domain “a fine source…Blain’s white wines, like those of the rest of the family, concentrate on the finesse and the fruit are delicate for Chassagnes.”

Volnay is a small appellation with just 904 vineyard acres and a town of fewer than 500 residents. Nevertheless, to Burgundy enthusiasts, it's a jewel. Clive Coates calls Volnay “one of the most delightful wines and one of the most rewarding communes in the Côte d’Or.” Robert M. Parker Jr. described Volnay as “the queen of the Côte de Beaune.” Volnay has always been appealing. In the 13th and 14th centuries the powerful Dukes of Burgundy acquired land there and built chateaux. The medieval town sits on the hillside above the vineyards and the appellation is restricted to red wines made of Pinot Noir. Though there are no Grands Crus, there are 35 Premiers Crus. Some reviewers say the lighter soil of Volnay, compared with Pommard to the north, makes Volnay wines more delicate and elegant than wines from neighboring appellations. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that Volnay has a “high-quality level of winemaking…The top Volnays possess an immense, seductive fruitiness and lushness…”

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.