Monopole

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

Chief Wine Hacker

« 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?

Giacomo Conterno Barolo ‘Francia’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Conterno’s 2016 Barolo Francia is effusive, with a real sense of expansiveness that gives the wine breadth. Sage, mint, cedar, tobacco and strong mineral accents complement a core of dark fruit in a Barolo of real gravitas. Just bottled a few months ago, the 2016 is going through a very rare period of approachability (in relative terms). It will almost certainly shut down within the next few months. Readers who are curious will want to taste it before that happens. In 2016, Roberto Conterno di
$950
More Info
Jadot have turned out a divine Estournelles from 2018. Burghound's note of it being an understated style rings true. Many 2018 from Gevrey-Chambertin are bold in nature. Here we see a delicacy that has it showing fine and elegant. Tasted blind you'd possibly look to another village. Deceptive it is, with considerable depth and length. Poise, flow and shape, with a perfume floating over delicious fruit. Jadot again showing a deft hand in crafting a sophisticated Pinot full of personality. April 2
$295
$285ea in any 3+
$275ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Dripping with class!
‘Poissenot’ is situated above Lavaux St Jacques on the northern ridge of Gevrey. The Poissenot is deeply colored, the nose is deep and alluring with black fruits, spice and a lick of new wood. The palate is loaded with silky and deeply structured tannins that coat the entire palate. This wine will reward long cellaring. Drink 2030-2050
$210
$203ea in any 3+
$196ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Direct from Sordo's Cellars!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Perno’ 2010

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

The bold Cru's of Monforte demand a little. That's sorted so it's time to hook in! The bold Cru's of Monforte demand a little. I've sorted that for you so it's time to hook in! 'Intense and full of youthful energy, it delivers succulent black cherry and black raspberry sensations accented with notes of black pepper, new leather, cinnamon, clove and Mediterranean herbs. The vibrant palate is supported by a tannic backbone and lively acidity that promise serious cellaring potential. Drink 2020�
$159
$152ea in any 3+
$145ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info