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?

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er 'Chaffots' 2016

Pinot Noir from Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte-de-Nuits

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er ‘Chaffots’ 2016

A discreet but not invisible hint of volatile acidity adds lift to the well-layered nose of black cherry, violet, lavender and subtle earth and spice hints. The muscular and energetic broad-shouldered flavors offer excellent punch and depth on the driving and firmly structured finish. Assuming that the VA remains at its current level, it shouldn't be more than a background element.Allen Meadows, Burghound

Vintage 2016
$450
$435ea in any 3+
$420ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Pietradolce 'Archineri' Etna Bianco 2021 by Paul Kaan for Wine Decoded

Carricante from Etna, Sicily

Pietradolce ‘Archineri’ Etna Bianco 2021

I have an ever-growing soft spot for the whites of Mount Etna, they have seen great leaps in quality over recent times.The fruit for Pietradolce’s Arhcineri Etna Bianco is sourced from pre-phylloxera vines planted at 850-900 metres on the eastern slopes near Milo, the undisputed white growing sub-region of Mount Etna. You’ll find the whites from Milo to be generally a cooler reflection of Carricante with slightly lower alcohol, higher acid and minerality.The precision and purity her

Vintage 2021
$103
$98ea in any 3+
$93ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine Anne Gros Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc 'Cuvée Marine' 2022

Chardonnay from Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy

Domaine Anne Gros Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc ‘Cuvée Marine’ 2022

This could pass for a Chablis on the nose with its cool and very aromas of iodine, shellfish and petrol nuances that add breadth to the mostly apple scents. The delicious middleweight flavors flash a lovely bead of minerality on the chiseled and bone-dry finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This is really quite good for its level and worth considering. Drink: 2025+Allen Meadows, Burghound 86-89 Points ♥ Outstanding

Vintage 2022
$140
$135ea in any 3+
$130ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Vajra Barolo 'Bricco delle Viole' 2020

Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo

Vajra Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2020

The 2020 Barolo Bricco delle Viole, Vajra's flagship, is very fine. Dark cherry, kirsch, blood orange, spice and lavender are nicely amplified. The 2020 is gracious and elegant, but its youthful Nebbiolo tannins will require some time to soften. The 2020 is another wine that captures my keen interests with its sublime balance. I would be thrilled to own it.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 96 Points ML 95

Vintage 2020
$218
$211ea in any 3+
$204ea in any 6+
Add to cart