2014 Albert Grivault Pommard 1er Cru Clos Blanc
France / Burgundy / Cote de Beaune / Pommard Premier Cru Rouge
The name "Clos Blanc" refers to the color of the wine originally produced by the monks.
Clos Blanc is a 4ha 1er Cru vineyard site just outside the village of Pommard, bordering the D973 road that passes the village south of Beaune.
In the 12th century, the abbey of Cîteaux planted the vineyard with white grapes. It is now planted with Pinot Noir and its name may seem strange. The top of the vineyard is composed of sandy clay while a bit lower down there is some pebbly clay. The rows are oriented north to south. The vineyard plot of 89 ares produces about 4,500 bottles per year (average over 20 years). On average, the vines are 38 years old, but the oldest vines date back to 1937!
The harvest is totally destemmed. Very few new barrels are used. Bottling is done after 18 months in French oak. With its deep soil, the Clos Blanc achieves its best results in warmer years.
It was awarded the gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 1990, 2003 and 2013 respectively. It also has an established reputation as a laureate at the Tastevinage wine tasting sessions at the Château du Clos de Vougeot!
Ageing in barrels, some of which are new depending on the vintage.