2017 : A Year In Clos Marey-Monge

As we wrap up warm from the winter chills, unwrap our presents from under the Christmas tree and wrap up 2017, we can see that this year has been like no other on record. A year of exciting changes and an exceptional vintage to look forward to after its serene 24months in the cellar. To pay tribute to 2017, here’s 17 (OK, a few more) incredible things that happened in Clos Marey-Monge this year.

See you in 2018!

January

The year started as it almost ended – with snow! January saw a light dusting of the white stuff. As you can see, the snow made Château Micault look even more beautiful than usual.

January 22nd is a special day in Clos Marey-Monge, and across all the vineyards of Burgundy. Winemakers and wine lovers come together and celebrate the patron saint of winemaking and winegrowers, St Vincent of Saragossa. Traditionally, this day is also the start of pruning too, but less so these days.

We prune our vines using the Guyot-Poussard method. It allows the vines to grow stronger and remain healthier. Pictured in the Les Paules plot.

February

As we prune back the vines, we burn the cordons and canes. The heat from the smoke stops mildew and other diseases from taking hold. Pictured here in the Micault plot.

Can you guess the age of this gorgeous knotted and twisting vine that resides in the Les Paules parcel?

It isn’t just the vines that make Clos Marey-Monge stunning to behold. The sunrise too plays its part. All throughout the year the sunrise watches over the vineyard, providing warmth and giving the vines a golden shine. If only we didn’t have to wake up so early to see it! 

March

More cane burning in March. Cutting 200,000 vines takes a long time! The vineyard team are exhausted at the end.

Ploughing Down circulates oxygen throughout the soil, allowing the vines to breathe. Can you spot the difference?

April

The most exciting sign of the new season in the vineyard is bud break – when the buds on the vines start to swell and show the first signs of green. Following winter pruning, the sap flows from pruning cuts. Simply beautiful. 

This year we also gave our 205-year-old Clos wall a good spring cleaning. Millions of local stones were used to make this , 2,000-meter-long wall in 1812. Legend tells us that Nicolas-Joseph Marey-Monge offered local villagers shoes and soup as payment to him build the wall.  Learn More about our History. 

May

In early May, more and more green arrives in the vineyard. Ladies and Gentleman, we give you Floraison…

Learn More about our Four Seasons here.

Colline (the horse) at work in Simone…

As we enter fully into the Summer season, Clos Marey-Monge becomes a popular hot-spot for wine lovers, tourists and adventurers. The Route des Grands Crus is a great place to go for a spin!

June

The new vines in Émilie, which were planted back, are now shooting up thanks to the summer sun. 

Over in the Grand Champs terroir, the grapes are beginning to show size and form. 

July

The vines in Émilie have now been drenched in sunshine for more than a month and are looking visibly stronger. One day soon they will rule the world!

The very first music and wine festival to take place in Pommard deserved its own Rosé – so we made one!  Very few bottles remain … but contact a Wine Advisor to place your order. You might be lucky!

More than 10 local and international acts performed at Rootstock, our inaugural rock and jazz festival. Find out more about the festival here … and secure your seats for next year!

August

Every August we hold a photoshoot among the vines – when Clos Marey-Monge looks at her best. What can we say? We’re very proud of our vines and wines and like to show them off with the world. 

Also in August, Trip Advisor awarded Clos Marey-Monge and Château de Pommard a Certificate of Excellence. As you can see, the Pinot Noir grapes look rather excellent too.

Just before the vines were shorn of their fruit, we took the drone for a pre-harvest sweep over the vineyard. 

September

Our biodynamic specialist, who has overseen the complete conversion of Clos Marey-Monge to biodynamic viticulture since Summer 2016, inspects the vines during Harvest. “I am very happy with where Clos Marey-Monge is in our scheduled conversion to biodynamics,” Antoine told us. “2018 is going to be a very exciting time in the vineyard. I can’t wait.”

One of the highlights of Harvest 2017 was the Vendanges Experience. This unique AAA reveal of the vineyard has become incredibly popular with wine lovers who visit the Château in September. Book your Vendanges Experience for 2018 now – places are limited.

In September, our line-up of Wine Advisors was complete. We took this stylish photo to celebrate. We’ve got the world covered now, so no matter where you live, you can enjoy a glass of Pommard at home. Feel free to get in touch anytime.

October

With the leaves starting to fade from green to yellow, Clos Marey-Monge once again transforms. Autumn has arrived. 

The vineyard team, Sam and Denis, employ a dynamized spray, known as BD500, to help ensure a healthy growth for the vines. 

November

The view of Grand Champs, all the way to Château Marey-Monge, from our 18th century iron gate is thrilling, especially in November when all the vines can no longer be disguised by vines. A rare moment when both châteaux can be seen in the same shot too.

More pruning in late November. Watch the video to learn more.

When the Autumn sun comes out to play, and there isn’t a cloud in the blue sky, the contrast of colors that can be seen in Clos Marey-Monge is out-of-this-world.

December

At the beginning of December, Clos Marey-Monge got covered in gorgeous white powdery snow. Yet another color for the vineyard to bask in.

First day on the job: our new winemakers, Eric and Emmanuel, above, inspect the Simone terroir mid-December.  Learn more about our new winemakers.

As the year draws to a close, Eric Pignal and the two “Manus” (left, head of Vineyard, and right, Head Winemaker) share a fun moment in Simone. We look forward to the magic these three wise men will create in the New Year.