Monopole


A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

« Back to Wine Words Index

A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

Most commonly used in Burgundy where vineyard holdings have been divided through hereditary title. Upon the death of the owner the land is split equally between all children. It is common for a single vineyard to have multiple owners. The Grand Cru, Chambertin, in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin had 23 owners with 40 producers last time I looked. Each owner may have as little as a few rows of vines yielding just enough fruit to make a single barrel of wine.

Famous Monopoles include La Romanée-Conti, La Tâche (both owned by Domaine de la Romanée Conti) and La Grand Rue (Francois LaMarche) in Vosne-Romanée, Clos de Tart (owned by Francois Pinot of Latour since 2017) in Morey-Saint-Denis, and, Clos des Ruchottes (Armand Rousseau) in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Outside Burgundy think  Clos de la Coulée de Serrant, Château-Grillet and Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune.

Some clearly denote Monopole on the label others do not.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

A cooler and airier array is comprised by notes of citrus, quinine and essence of algae. The ultra-sleek and overtly mineral-driven flavors possess cuts-like-a-knife delineation before terminating in a chiseled, linear and moderately austere finale. This is a terrific example of Les Lys, indeed it’s textbook.91-94 points, Drink: 2028+ BurghoundThe 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys is one of the range's highlights this year, offering up aromas of almonds, white flowers, green apple, cri
$148
$143ea in any 3+
$138ea in any 6+
Great intensity and transparency! The 2022er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese initially shows a refined smoky and reductive touch of candied lime, whipped almond cream, smoke, fresh herbs, a touch of cassis, elderberry, bergamot, and lime tree. The wine is superbly and elegantly creamy and juicy with good structure and intensity. The finish proves incredibly intense and even slightly powerful, yet there is the usual sense of Prüm lightness in the aftertaste. This is a very impressive Spät
$380
$365ea in any 3+
$350ea in any 6+
Château Rieussec, 1er Cru 2015
Nectar of the Gods!

Château Rieussec, 1er Cru 2015

Semillon | Sauternes, France

Rieussec along with Climens, de Fargues, Doisy-Daëne & of course d'Yquem is one of my favourite sweet whites from Bordeaux. The complexity and sophistication of the wine, particularly after is has had 10+ years in bottle is stunning. Beautiful to drink young, divine to drink with a little age on it. I had a half of 1996 early this year. Stunning!
$185
$178ea in any 3+
$171ea in any 6+

André Clouet Chalky NV

Chardonnay | Montagne de Reims, Champagne

A Blanc de Blanc from the Pinot Master of Bouzy! Chalk soils have long been considered one of the key resources enabling the Champagne region to produce such intense and refined wines. Aiming to highlight this relationship, Andre Clouet have released a new wine in their range further dialing up the crisp and salty flavours so prevalent in wines from these chalk rich soils.A 100% Chardonnay cuvee, this initial release of “Chalky” is entirely from the outstanding 2013 vintage, with vineyar
$127
$122ea in any 3+
$117ea in any 6+