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Volnay is a village in the Cote de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, renowned for making some of the smoothest, most delicate red wines of the southern Cote d'Or. Located between Pommard (famous for its powerful reds) and Meursault (the home of rich whites), Volnay is fortunate to have a forte to distinguish it from its more-prestigious neighbors.
Over the centuries, the wines of Pommard and Volnay have alternately shared popularity, according to the fashions of the age. When powerful, full-bodied wines are in favor (as in the current global market), Pommard enjoys the limelight. But when silkier, smoother wines are in demand, Volnay takes center stage – as it did in the 17th and 18th centuries. The appellation's wines are often referred to as being the most 'feminine' of Burgundian reds, and are contrasted with their more 'masculine' neighbors.
Volnay has had its own appellation since 1937, reserved exclusively for red wines made from Pinot Noir. More than half of the vineyards covered by the Volnay title are rated as Premier Cru. These are situated in a tight band of high-quality terroir stretching right across Volnay from Pommard to Meursault. As with almost all of the region's most prized vineyards, the Premier Crus are located on the mid-slope of the Cote d'Or escarpment. Here, they benefit from well-drained, limestone-rich soils and a south-east-facing aspect – helping the vines to capitalize on the morning and early afternoon sunlight.
Volnay-Santenots wines are grown in the Premier Cru Santenots vineyard. Santenots is technically on the other side of the Meursault-Volnay commune boundary and produces both red and white wines. Red wines from Santenots are sold as Volnay (under the title Volnay-Santenots), while the whites take the Meursault and Meursault Premier Cru appellations.
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