If you think wine lovers are just pretentious snobs savoring sips of overpriced grape juice, think again. This post is about the magic behind the walls of a ‘clos’ – a special kind of vineyard that not only withstands the test of time but also defends the honor of winemaking. While these enclosures originated in France during the Middle Ages, they have a timeless appeal that transcends borders. Clos are especially famous in Burgundy and Champagne, where medieval monks toiled, preserved their secrets, and cultivated the fine art of winemaking. These are not mere pieces of land; they are storied fortresses of flora, bound together by stone boundaries that keep the climate and artistry sealed within.
Fortress of Flavor: In the age of open borders and globalization, it’s refreshing to find a place where boundaries are celebrated instead of dismantled. A clos is a walled vineyard often associated with high-quality wines. Imagine these stone walls, standing strong amidst the winds of change, not just sheltering grapes but also protecting centuries of tradition. It’s where nature meets nurture, all in a stunning walled package.
Grapes of Wrath: Many wine lovers and sommeliers will tell you that some of the best wines in the world hail from a clos. The grapes grown within these blessed borders are often the result of intense labor and historical techniques, ensuring a narrative of quality over quantity. Unlike the liberals touting vast open fields with irregular qualities, a clos follows its own set of rules and standards.
Burgundy’s Best: The region of Burgundy in France is home to some of the most noteworthy clos. One cannot discuss this without mentioning Clos de Vougeot, the largest clos in Burgundy with a history rich enough to make even the most ardent wine lover swoon. Established by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, this place serves as an example of harmonious coexistence between man and nature within its sacred walls.
Champagne Charisma: Outside of Burgundy, Champagne's Clos des Goisses echos the audacity of grape growing expertise. With its renowned steep slopes, this clos enables the production of champagne that leaves the average bubbly trailing in its effervescent wake. It's a testament to what humans can achieve when they use nature’s gifts instead of overpromising on ideals they can’t deliver.
Oldest of the Old: Pinot Noir lovers will adore Clos des Lambrays in Morey-Saint-Denis, one of the oldest vineyards with records dating back to the 14th century. Think about it: while empires and movements fell, this clos remained steadfast – a true testament to enduring values where wine is finely aged, not ideologies.
Prestigious Provenance: Besides their historic significance, clos vineyards often have the caliber to fetch high price tags and enjoy international acclaim. This isn’t some nouveau-riche display of excess, but a rightful demand for quality and provenance. These wines belong to drinkers who appreciate the finely woven tapestry of history, culture, and taste.
Wines With Walls: In a clos, the stone walls play a vital role in regulating the microclimate within. These robust barriers trap heat, ward off pests, and explore drainage, all while cozying up the vines like a warm vineyard quilt. The result? Grapes that are nurtured in a controlled environment and produce wines that stand heads and shoulders above their peers.
Concentration of Craft: Clos wines also boast incredible concentration and depth. Enclosed land leads to a unique terroir, a fancy French term that refers to the environmental conditions affecting wine production. But let's be honest: it’s the craftsmanship that truly defines clos wines. While large corporate vineyards churn out ordinary labels, a clos embodies hard work, honor, and expertise.
Beyond the Stones: It’s not just about luxury wines. Clos vineyards avail complex ecosystem interactions within their boundaries, creating a mosaic of flora and fauna that whisper timeless natural rhythms into each bottle. Imagine being part of this age-old system, contributing to balanced biodiversity, all while crafting some of the world’s finest wines.
Wine for Thought: So next time you pick a bottle of wine, don't just think about its flavor notes or pairings. Consider where it comes from, the legacy it carries, and the resilient vision it represents. Clos wines remind us of what's possible when you embrace boundaries instead of erasing them. They are a humble rose growing through a crack in the sidewalk, steadfast and remarkable.