Francois Buffet Volnay 'Carelle Sous La Chapelle' Premier Cru 2023
4.3
HK$735
750ml
Bottle
Vintage Character The 2023 Volnay 'Carelle sous la Chapelle' Premier Cru emerged from a Burgundy season of easy flowering, repeated summer showers and a productive fruit set, followed by a sudden heatwave at the end of August. The heat briefly slowed ripening and made the first days of September picking unusually demanding. For Pinot Noir, selection and temperature management were important across the region. In Carelle, a site the domaine describes through fine tannins and a soft, persistent finish, the vintage sets ample fruit beside delicacy. The 2023 fruit is more immediate than 2021's, and it keeps the graceful outline that marks this Volnay Premier Cru.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing The producer notes blueberry and white flowers as Carelle markers, and in this ripe year cherry and raspberry broaden the picture. The dry palate begins with supple fruit, then narrows towards fine tannin and a longer, clean finish, at 13% alcohol. A discreet earthy note adds depth without changing the wine's essentially elegant shape. Roast duck, chicken with mushrooms or veal in a light sauce are apt pairings, leaving room for both floral lift and savoury detail. Use a moderate glass and avoid excessive warmth, since a slightly cool serving temperature makes the fruit clearer.
Winery Background François Buffet is led by Marc-Olivier Buffet, whose family has been associated with Volnay since 1692. The estate lists Carelle sous la Chapelle among its individual Premier Cru vineyards and locates it beside the Notre Dame chapel. Its vineyard philosophy focuses on soils with biological activity, no herbicides, cover crops and selective use of biodynamic methods while organic conversion continues. The estate's roughly nine hectares sit between 230 and 330 metres on marl-limestone soils. In 2023 that approach places Carelle's fine texture beside the season's generosity, a character different from the domaine's firmer Pommard bottlings.