2022 Aloxe-Corton Village

I have been tracking Bouley for a few vintages now, and he’s a rising star within the Volnay appellation. Fortunately, he seems to have his feet on the ground.

“We began to prune in February, choosing two shoots at first and in the first week of April, selecting the main shoot in order to guard against any possible frost episode. Then, there were periods of dryness and warm temperatures. We plowed three times during the season, twice to cut the grass with few treatments. We started picking from September 1 until September 9. Generally, yields were 20hL/ha for some Premier Crus with older vines such as Volnay Santenots, up to 45hL/ha for younger parcels. Alcohol levels are around 13% at regional and village levels and 14% up to 14.5% for the Premier Crus. The pH during the harvest was low and gave a good balance. Everything is fully de-stemmed as usual. I think the 2022s will be more approachable when younger, though a few cuvées will need longer. They seem to have been open since springtime. The wines were racked but not yet stabilized…that will be done the day after your visit. They’ll be bottled at the beginning of December.”

A wonderful set of wines from Bouley this vintage, exuding Pinoté and articulating the typicité of Volnay, expressive aromatics and respecting terroirs. The Volnay Les Grands Champs punches well above its weight, but the two standouts are Bouley’s Clos des Chênes and Champans, which will vie with the best.