From little rivers, great oceans may flow. So it is with Vougeot, a small village in the Côte de Nuits, named after the little river Vouge. Though the smallest commune in the wider Côte d’Or region, it is also the largest Grand Cru clos (meaning ‘plot’ or ‘vineyard’). Most of the wine from Vougeot comes from this single vineyard—the outstanding Clos de Vougeot. There are also 4 Premier Cru plots nearby, whose names have become known (but not too famous)—Clos de la Perriére, Clos Blanc, Les Cras, and Les Petits Vougeot. Though most of the wine here is red, some white is produced of admirable quality. Vougeot’s neighbours are also well known for their superb red wines – Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne- Romanée in particular. With more than 50 plot owners within the 50 or so hectares of Grand Cru vineyard here, it really does help to know something of the producer and their plot when you’re buying. Soils change almost yard by yard, and there’s as much variety of terroir as there are personalities here. Though Vougeot is best known for the Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot, its Premiers Crus make great 'insider' wines, too. A little research goes a long way; beyond the wall of the Grand Cru vineyard lies basic village level wines (which can nonetheless be of worthy quality, depending on what you choose).
Vougeot