Presentation
Located in Vosne-Romanée, Domaine Michel Noëllat traces its roots back to the 19th century with Félix Noëllat, a family pioneer. Since then, five generations have succeeded, combining heritage and modernity. The estate's evolution is illustrated by constant investments: in 1980, a vaulted stone cellar was dug under the property, and in 2007, an ultra-modern winery equipped with thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks was established. Since 2012, vineyard management has been handled by Sébastien Noëllat (responsible for viticulture and vinification) and his cousin Sophie, who oversees the commercial side. The vines, cultivated using sustainable practices, cover several prestigious appellations, including Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Clos de Vougeot. The reds are aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with meticulous work on extraction and aging. What makes it famous? Powerful and refined wines with a distinctive aromatic signature, blending bright fruit and silky textures.
Location
The Chambolle-Musigny plots of Domaine Michel Noëllat lie mid-slope in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, between Morey-Saint-Denis to the north and Vougeot to the south. This central position within the appellation provides the vines with optimal east-facing exposure and consistent sunlight, allowing for a slow and balanced ripening. The nearby Chambolle valley brings a cooling influence and natural air circulation, contributing to the aromatic finesse of the grapes.
Terroir
The Chambolle-Musigny terroir is famed for the elegance it imparts to wines. The soils are composed of hard limestone at depth, covered with fine marl and scattered stones. This well-drained structure encourages deep root development and reveals a refined mineral expression. The unique combination of lightness and complexity in the soil results in wines of great finesse, aromatic delicacy and a silky mouthfeel.
In the vineyard
The domaine follows sustainable viticulture practices with meticulous care. Treatments are limited to what is strictly necessary and the soils are mechanically worked without herbicides to preserve microbial life. A strong emphasis is placed on biodiversity and reducing inputs, ensuring healthy vines and a true expression of each vintage. This respectful approach yields concentrated and balanced fruit, ideal for precise winemaking.
Harvest
Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting directly in the vineyard to select only the ripest and healthiest grapes. The fruit is then quickly transported in small crates to the winery to prevent any oxidation and maintain its integrity. This careful attention is key to preserving the wine’s signature finesse.
Winemaking
Vinification is carried out gently. After partial destemming, fermentation takes place in open vats with indigenous yeasts. Extraction is kept minimal, using gentle punch-downs to respect the delicacy of the tannins.
Ageing
Ageing takes place over 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 30 to 40% of which are new, allowing the wine to gain in complexity without overpowering its floral and silky nature.
Varietal
Pinot Noir : 100%
Specifications
Production volume : 80 000
Age of vines : 40 years old
Serving
Serve between 13°C and 15°C to fully express the wine’s aromatic elegance and silky texture.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Tasting
This Chambolle-Musigny from Domaine Michel Noëllat reveals a deep red robe with garnet highlights. The nose is delicate and refined, offering aromas of fresh red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant), floral notes (peony, violet), and gentle spices such as white pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine charms with its silky texture, vibrant tension, and remarkable balance. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, leading to an elegant, persistent finish with a subtle mineral touch. This wine perfectly embodies the aerial and nuanced style characteristic of great Chambolle-Musigny.
Food pairings
This wine pairs beautifully with refined, delicate dishes. It enhances a free-range chicken stuffed with morels, whose tender texture complements the wine’s finesse. A herb-crusted seared tuna steak creates a bold yet harmonious match. For dessert, a raspberry and almond tart brings out the fruit-driven elegance of the wine. Cheese lovers will enjoy pairing it with truffle brie or a soft-ripened Chaource.