The Chofflet-Valdenaire estate, located in the hillside hamlet of Russily, has been in their family for over 100 years. Today the 11 hectare domaine is run by Jean Chofflet’s son-in-law, Denis Valdenaire. He produces deliciously fruity, accessible Pinot Noirs that represent outstanding value. The domaine possesses very well-placed vineyards with an average age of 25 years. The estate’s Givry AOC comes from several vineyard parcels. The grapes are entirely hand-harvested and 100% destemmed. It is aged half in tank, half in two-three year casks for one year before bottling. The Wine Spectator recently acclaimed the 1997 Givry AOC, commenting that it is “brimming with authenticity and clarity. A 97 Burgundy with real personality, showing a concentration of pure, clean, ripe black fruit….with supple tannins.” It is a richly fruity, stylish wine that represents excellent value and is a fine introduction to Pinot Noir from a dedicated grower.

The Givry 1er Cru Clos de Choue vineyard is a 6 hectare south facing amphitheater vineyard composed half of very old vines, half of vines planted 10 years ago. The soil is a mixture of red clay and small stones which allows for excellent drainage. The grapes are harvested by hand and the fruit undergoes cold maceration for two days before fermentation begins. Valdenaire does two pigeages by treading each day before pressing. The wine is matured in oak casks for one year before bottling. The Clos de Choue offers intense red fruit flavors of cassis, raspeberry and wild cherry and is ready to drink on release.

Valdenaire’s Givry 1er Cru Clos Jus (located next to the Clos Cellier aux Moines) comes from an east-facing hillside looking out to Chalone-sur-Saone. This ideal sloping vineyard, with stony, red clay and limestone soil, was recognized as the finest hillside site in Givry before phylloxera. The entire slope was then abandoned, and only recently replanted. Yields are naturally low and the grapes are always millerandes, making for very concentrated fruit. The wine has a pronounced black-fruit taste, suggesting the Cotes de Nuits, that caused the owners of the vineyard to wonder about the Givry-ness of the Clos Jus after their first harvests (no living person ever having tasted a Clos Jus before.) They have since learned to cherish the uniqueness of this site; indeed, in a recent comment on the Clos de Lambrays Grand Cru, the Revue du Vin de France remarks on how the Grand Cru’s “complex bouquet” recalls that of the “young and surprising Clos Jus of Givry.”