Michel Lafarge Mitans 1er Cru Volnay 2023 (750ml)

Michel Lafarge Mitans 1er Cru Volnay 2023 (750ml)Variety: Pinot Noir Surface Area: 0. 39 ha (0. 96 ac) Vine Age: Planted in 1952 and 1976 Terroir: On a gentle southeast facing slope, 250 m elevation, moderately deep, brown clay soil over limestone. Viticulture: Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter) Vinification: 100% de stemmed, 2 3 week ambient yeast fermentation, punch downs and pump overs, aged for 18 months in barrels (10 20% new), no fining or filtration. Les Mitans sits

Variety: Pinot Noir

Surface Area: 0.39 ha (0.96 ac)

Vine Age: Planted in 1952 and 1976

Terroir: On a gentle southeast-facing slope, 250 m elevation, moderately deep, brown clay soil over limestone.

Viticulture: Certified organic (Ecocert) and biodynamic (Demeter)

Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, 2-3-week ambient yeast fermentation, punch-downs and pump-overs, aged for 18 months in barrels (10-20% new), no fining or filtration.

Les Mitans sits downslope from the small village of Volnay. It is located at approximately 250-meters elevation. The vineyard lies on a low, gentle slope that faces just south of east. Even though Les Mitans lies in the direct path of a small combe to the west, Frédéric does not believe that the vineyard experiences much influence from it—possibly due to its distance down the slope.

The soil is approximately 35-40 cm deep. The soil is deep brown in color with a dense, clay-rich texture. The brown color indicates that the soil is not rich in iron, which is a notable difference from other great vineyards of Volnay, such as Caillerets and Clos de Chênes. Approximately 20% of the surface is covered in small (gravel to cobble-sized) limestone stones. The stones in the vineyard are poorly sorted indicate some alluvial influence.

The vines in the Lafarge parcel are approximately 65 years old. The vines are planted downslope to the east. Frédéric points out that the clay-rich soils of Les Mitans are surprisingly light and “springy” when stepped on, a factor he strongly attributes to biodynamic farming. He also believes that the final wine reflects this springiness in its freshness, femininity, and balance between clay and stone influences.