The spelling of the French wine appellation "Clos de Vougeot" can seem daunting at first glance. It is pronounced /klo də vuʒo/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. "Clos" means "enclosure" or "walled vineyard" in French, while "Vougeot" refers to the village in the Côte de Nuits region where the vineyard is located. Despite its difficult spelling, Clos de Vougeot is known for producing some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
Clos de Vougeot is a renowned vineyard located in the Burgundy wine region of France. The term "clos" refers to a walled vineyard, while "Vougeot" is the name of the village where the vineyard is situated. This combination forms Clos de Vougeot, one of the most esteemed and historically significant wine-producing sites in Burgundy.
Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, Clos de Vougeot is classified as a Grand Cru vineyard, the highest designation for quality and prestige in Burgundy. The vineyard's origins date back to the 12th century when it was established by the Cistercian monks of the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux.
The unique characteristics of the soil and microclimate of Clos de Vougeot contribute to producing exceptional red wines made predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes. These wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and ability to age gracefully over decades. They often exhibit aromas and flavors of red berries, black cherries, earthy notes, and hints of spices and flowers.
Clos de Vougeot wines are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors, commanding high prices due to their limited production and exceptional quality. They are regarded as some of the finest expressions of Pinot Noir from Burgundy and are frequently aged in oak barrels to enhance their structure and complexity.
In addition to its viticultural significance, Clos de Vougeot has become a symbol of Burgundian winemaking heritage and continues to attract wine pilgrims and tourists from around the world who come to admire its historic walls and taste the wines produced from its hallowed vineyards.