Volnay (Volnay) is a village (commune) in Burgundy sub-region of côte de Beaune, producing considered one of the most soft and delicate of wines from Pinot Noir southern part of the Golden Slope (Cote d’or). Located between the communes of Pommard (home to powerful Reds) and Meursault (the patrimony of the rich, white).

For centuries, the wines of Pommard and Volnay divided the palm, depending on the tastes of the era. When the fashion full-bodied powerful as it is now in the global market – in favor of Pommard. But when the preference of the audience on the side of softer wines, Volnay reaping laurels – as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Comparing, they are often contrasted as “male” (Pommard) and “female” (Volnay) – as the wine Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle Musigny from the neighboring côte de Nuits.

The appellation was rated Volnay in 1937 and reserved exclusively for red wines from Pinot Noir. There are no plots of Grand CRU, but more than half of the vineyards (which is 34 pieces) on an area of 213 hectares classified as Premier CRU (Volnay Premier Cru). They run a tight belt around the Volnay from Pommard to Meursault.

Like the rest of the best terroirs of the côte d’or, these vineyards lie on the middle of the Golden Slope, where the vines enjoy the benefits of well-drained limestone soil and South-Eastern exposure.

Mentioned 34 division CRU – this does not include those additional CRUs of Volnay to Santen (Volnay Santenots premier cru) that happen to 29 hectares, it is technically located on the other side of the border with Meursault and producing both red and white wines, although the white of the Santen use of the name Meursault and Meursault Premier Cru.

Source: portal WineSearcher