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 Faiveley 'Clos De Bèze Ouvrées Rodin' Grand Cru 2022
A selection one of Faiveley's very best vineyards, Clos de Bèze! I had Faiveley's 2015 Latricières Chambertin recently, delicious, perfumed elegant and refined. Along with the 2015, I devoured a brace of 2016's from across the appellations. They are really stepping up their game, the investments in the vineyard and winery are a testament to this.Note: The 'Clos De Bèze Ouvrées Rodin' is a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels. This wine consistently outscores the 's
$3,011
Add to cart
More Info
Denis Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 'Les Champonnets' 2018
Les Champonnets, situated on the same line as the Grands Crus and very near to Ruchottes-Chambertin, is tucked up high near the entrance of the Lavaux combe (or valley). Mortet's parcel here used to make up almost half of his 1er Cru bottling above, and 2014 was the first year this parcel was vinified and bottled separately. It comes from a combination of very old vines (60-70 years old) and some younger, at around 30 years old. The soil is deep, yet with a strong limestone component that shows
$548
$528ea in any 3+
$508ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis 1er 'Chaffots' 2019
From a higher-altitude site located in a former quarry, Lignier's 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots unwinds in the glass with aromas of earthy wild berries, cherries, licorice and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's lively and precise, with a more tightly wound, lower-pH profile than the Riotte.William Kelley, Parker's Wine Advocate 92-94 Points AM 91-94 ♥ Sweet spot Outstanding
$460
$445ea in any 3+
$430ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino 2019
💯 A Le Chiuse Classic!

Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Sangiovese | Tuscany, Italy

Pure, intense, and, lively, this outstanding wine really speaks of the style of Le Chiuse, always on the refined side! Fascinating drinking. It draws you in. On the spectrum of Brunello it sits at the darker end on opening. The grape first tannin profile and fine acid wrap the core of fruit perfectly. Opening in the glass, intoxicating truffle, earthiness, there is power here, yet it has been tamed. The harmony and balance are impeccable.The level of complexity is astonishing. It reminds me
$210
$203ea in any 3+
$196ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info