Francois Buffet Volnay 'Carelle Sous La Chapelle' Premier Cru 2022
4.3
HK$735
750ml
Bottle
Vintage Character The 2022 Volnay 'Carelle sous la Chapelle' Premier Cru developed under a warmer, drier Burgundy sky than 2021. A mild winter led into April frost risk, yet a later budburst limited damage across the region, and summer heat and drought were partly relieved by rain before a healthy, generous September harvest. Carelle's fine-tannin character is an important counterweight to that generosity. Beside the Notre Dame chapel in Volnay, this Premier Cru is not defined by power. The 2022 contrast is between a fuller core of fruit and a site that the producer associates with delicate texture and a long, soft finish.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Blueberry and white blossom are the estate's own aromatic reference points for Carelle. The warmer year brings ripe cherry beside the blue fruit, and the palate feels a shade rounder, but the wine keeps its fine tannin and a fresh continuation after swallowing. Medium acidity and medium tannins support the red fruit, clove and a hint of earth, and truffle and dried flowers appear with age. Veal cutlets, roast guinea fowl or a mushroom tart complement its supple texture without needing a heavy sauce. Serve slightly below room temperature to preserve its precision, even in a vintage of generous ripeness.
Winery Background Marc-Olivier Buffet continues a family winegrowing line rooted in Volnay since the nineteenth century, and the family's settlement in the village dates to 1692. The domaine cultivates several distinct Volnay Premiers Crus and identifies Carelle sous la Chapelle by its position near the chapel and its notably fine tannins. Its wider approach favours living soils, cover crops, compost and no herbicides, with biodynamic principles on certain plots during the conversion to organic farming. Vines grow on marl-limestone soils well suited to Pinot Noir. Carelle's graceful finish is central to this 2022 wine, rather than simply another expression of the year's abundance.