From: Burgundy, France

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Volnay is a village in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, renowned for making some of the smoothest, most delicate Pinot Noir wines of the southern Côte d'Or. It is located between Pommard (famous for its powerful reds) and Meursault (the home of rich whites).

Over the centuries, the wines of Pommard and Volnay have alternately shared popularity, according to the fashions of the age. When powerful, full-bodied wines are in favor (as in the current global market), Pommard enjoys the limelight. But when silkier, smoother wines are in demand, Volnay takes center stage – as it did in the 17th and 18th centuries. The appellation's wines are often referred to as being the most "feminine" of Burgundian reds and are contrasted with their more "masculine" neighbors.

Tasting Notes: Deep and bright ruby red. A rich, elegant, and complex wine with scents of wild berries, violets, underbrush, and sweet spices. Juicy, elegant, taut, savory, fleshy, and fresh with good tannins.

Pairing: With Volnay, such traditional Burgundian fare as pot-au-feu, coq au vin, beef bourguignon or any other slowly cooked stew like daube is heart-warming and delicious.