Domaine Poulleau et Fils
(An Online Virtual Visit)
by
Kathy Sullivan
Images provided by
Domaine Poulleau et Fils.
This article about Domaine Poulleau et Fils is based on an online interview, online data and photos supplied by the winery. The article was written during the time of the worldwide 2020-2021 pandemic. Florence and Thierry Poulleau (pictured right) responded to our questions.
Summary: Domaine Poulleau et Fils is located in Volnay about two hours north of Lyon. The winery produces red and white wines with Aligote, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This is a small family winery that offers a warm welcome to visitors.
History
Domaine Poulleau et Fils was begun in the 1960s by Thierry’s grandfather Gaston who wanted his own domaine. According to Florence and Thierry, Gaston gradually obtained the land for vineyards which now is part of the current estate. Michel, who is Thierry’s father “continued the adventure by expanding the estate.” Thierry joined the estate in 1984 and continued to increase the size of the vineyards. Eventually, in the 1990s, a new winery building was built.
We asked how the present owners became interested in wine. Thierry and Florence responded, “Thierry has always been in this environment so it seemed obvious for him to become a wine grower. Since he was young he has been helping his parents in the cellar or in the vineyards.”
Vineyards
Today Florence and Thierry have 8.3 hectares (20.5 acres) of vineyards. The soils are primarily clay and limestone. In the vineyard, Thierry enjoys working to increase the quality of grapes by “disbudding” and leaf stripping which aerates the grapes.
The vineyards consist of Aligote, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is planted in the large majority of the vineyards.
Winemaking
Florence and Thierry want people to know that, “Our main priority is the quality of the grapes. Without fine grapes there are no fine wines. The maturity and balance of the grapes is the basis.” Currently the winery produces 25,000 to 35,000 bottles of wine.
In the winery, Thierry enjoys selecting the grapes on the sorting table. He also enjoys punching down the must releasing the aromas of the wine.
Florence and Thierry are hopeful that within five years, Thierry’s nephew will join Domaine Poulleau et Fils to continue the family tradition.
When we asked about the uniqueness of the Domaine Poulleau et Fils, they wrote, “Each Domaine is unique, each winemaker is unique! Thierry is working similarly to his ancestors using modern equipment with the least intervention during the vinification.”
Local Food Pairings
Domaine Poulleau suggests pairing their wines with cheeses and various meat dishes. For example for cheeses they suggest Epoisses and Brillat Savarin. Meat dish suggestions included: red wine sauce dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Oeufs en Meurette (poached eggs in red wine). They also suggested pairing their wines with wild boar, venison and Jambon Persille (parsley ham).
Fortunately for wine enthusiasts, currently Domaine Poulleau et Fils exports wine to Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Mali, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Wine Tourism
Florence and Thierry encourage people to visit their small family domaine. “We offer a warm welcome far from the stereotypical reception of certain large structures. We are not salespeople. We claim our farmers status. We love and respect our vines.”
We were curious as to how the winery was reaching out to wine enthusiasts during the pandemic. They wrote that they are reaching wine enthusiasts by mail and the wine press.
Tours of Domaine Poulleau et Fils are available in French and English. When planning to visit Domaine Poulleau et Fils be sure to contact the winery in advance for an appointment.
While searching for a new wine to have with dinner or to enjoy as an aperitif, look for wines from Domaine Poulleau et Fils.
Domaine Poulleau et Fils
7, rue du Pied de la Vallée
21190 VOLNAY
France
Article written February 2021.
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