Au-Dessus des Malconsorts Premier Cru: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview & Location
Au-Dessus des Malconsorts represents one of Vosne-Romanée's most distinguished Premier Cru vineyards, occupying a privileged position within this legendary commune in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. The vineyard's name, literally translating to "Above the Malconsorts," immediately signals its elevated position relative to the renowned Malconsorts Premier Cru, which lies directly below it on the slope.
Situated in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, approximately 15 kilometers south of Dijon and 20 kilometers north of Beaune, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts benefits from the optimal east-facing exposition that characterizes Burgundy's most celebrated vineyards. The climat forms part of the continuous band of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards that runs along the mid-slope of the Côte d'Or escarpment, positioned at an elevation that captures the perfect balance of sun exposure, drainage, and protection from harsh weather conditions.
The vineyard occupies a strategic position within Vosne-Romanée's prestigious vineyard hierarchy, lying directly upslope from Malconsorts and adjacent to some of Burgundy's most revered sites. This location places it within the golden zone of the Côte de Nuits, where the combination of geological complexity, favorable microclimate, and centuries of viticultural refinement have produced some of the world's most sought-after Pinot Noir.
Size and Boundaries
Au-Dessus des Malconsorts encompasses approximately 2.58 hectares (6.37 acres), making it a relatively intimate vineyard even by Burgundy standards. This modest size reflects the highly fragmented nature of Burgundy's vineyard landscape, where centuries of inheritance laws and land division have created a patchwork of small, precisely delineated parcels.
The vineyard's boundaries are clearly defined within the Vosne-Romanée appellation, with its lower border adjoining the Malconsorts Premier Cru and its upper reaches extending toward the village-level vineyards that transition into the forested hillsides above. The climat's compact size contributes to its homogeneous terroir characteristics while allowing for intimate knowledge and meticulous management of every vine.
Terroir & Geology
The geological foundation of Au-Dessus des Malconsorts exemplifies the complex terroir that defines great Burgundy sites. The vineyard sits upon Jurassic limestone formations, specifically the Bathonian and Bajocian stages that characterize much of the Côte de Nuits' premier vineyard sites. The bedrock consists primarily of hard limestone interspersed with marl layers, creating a foundation that provides excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during dry periods.
The topsoil composition reveals the typical Burgundian marriage of limestone debris and clay, with the clay content varying across different sections of the vineyard. The soil depth is generally shallow to moderate, typically ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters before encountering the limestone bedrock. This shallow profile forces vine roots to penetrate deep into fissures within the limestone, contributing to the mineral complexity that characterizes wines from this site.
The vineyard's slope orientation faces predominantly east-southeast, capturing the gentle morning sun while avoiding the potentially harsh afternoon heat. The gradient is moderate but consistent, providing natural drainage that prevents water accumulation while ensuring adequate moisture retention during summer months. The elevation ranges from approximately 260 to 280 meters above sea level, positioning the vineyard within the optimal altitude band for Pinot Noir cultivation in this region.
Soil analysis reveals significant calcium carbonate content, contributing to the pH balance that Pinot Noir requires for optimal development. The presence of iron-rich deposits adds another layer of complexity to the terroir, often manifesting in the wines' distinctive mineral backbone and aging potential.
Climate & Microclimate
Au-Dessus des Malconsorts benefits from the continental climate that defines the Côte de Nuits, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal temperature variation during the growing season. However, the vineyard's specific position creates unique microclimatic conditions that distinguish it from surrounding sites.
The east-southeast exposure ensures optimal sun exposure during the crucial morning hours while providing natural protection from the prevailing westerly winds that can bring excessive moisture or storm systems. The vineyard's elevation and slope position create natural air circulation, reducing the risk of frost damage and fungal diseases while promoting even grape ripening.
The limestone-rich soils contribute to temperature regulation, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it gradually during cool nights. This thermal mass effect helps moderate temperature extremes and extends the growing season, allowing for gradual flavor development and phenolic maturity.
Rainfall patterns typically favor spring and early summer precipitation, with drier conditions during harvest season. The vineyard's drainage characteristics ensure that excess moisture is efficiently managed, preventing dilution while maintaining sufficient hydration for healthy vine development.
Viticulture
Au-Dessus des Malconsorts is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir, following the appellation regulations that govern red wine production in Vosne-Romanée. The vineyard typically maintains vine ages ranging from 25 to 60 years, with some sections containing significantly older vines that contribute concentration and complexity to the final wines.
Planting density follows traditional Burgundian practices, typically ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 vines per hectare. This high density encourages competition among vines, promoting deep root development and concentrated fruit production. The vine training system employs the traditional Guyot method, with careful attention to canopy management to optimize sun exposure and air circulation.
Viticultural practices in Au-Dessus des Malconsorts emphasize sustainable and often organic approaches, reflecting the growing commitment to environmental stewardship among Burgundy producers. Soil management typically involves minimal intervention, with organic amendments and careful cultivation to maintain soil structure and biological activity.
Harvest timing is crucial in this climat, with producers carefully monitoring phenolic ripeness alongside sugar development. The vineyard's exposition and drainage characteristics often allow for extended hang time when weather conditions permit, contributing to the complexity and depth that characterize wines from this site.
Site-specific challenges include managing the shallow soils during drought conditions and ensuring optimal ripeness in cooler vintages, though the favorable microclimate generally supports consistent quality across varying weather patterns.
Wine Character & Style
Wines from Au-Dessus des Malconsorts display the refined elegance and complexity that define exceptional Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru. The aromatic profile typically reveals intense red and black fruit characteristics, with raspberry, cherry, and blackberry notes forming the primary fruit expression. These fruit characteristics are complemented by distinctive floral elements, particularly violet and rose petal aromatics that add lift and complexity.
The terroir's limestone influence manifests clearly in the wines' mineral backbone, providing a distinctive chalky or saline quality that enhances the fruit expression without overwhelming it. Spice elements are prominent, with black pepper, cinnamon, and exotic spice notes contributing to the aromatic complexity.
Structurally, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts wines demonstrate excellent balance between power and finesse. The tannin structure is typically firm but refined, providing aging potential while maintaining approachability in youth. Acidity levels are generally well-balanced, contributing to the wines' freshness and food compatibility while supporting long-term development.
The texture often displays a distinctive silky quality that characterizes great Vosne-Romanée wines, with sufficient body and concentration to suggest serious aging potential. The finish is typically long and complex, with mineral and spice notes persisting well beyond the initial fruit impression.
What particularly distinguishes Au-Dessus des Malconsorts is its combination of immediate charm and long-term complexity, offering accessibility in youth while developing additional layers of nuance with proper cellaring.
Comparison to Surrounding Crus
Within the Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru hierarchy, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts occupies a distinctive position that reflects both its terroir characteristics and its relationship to neighboring sites. Compared to the Malconsorts Premier Cru directly below it, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts typically produces wines with slightly more structured tannins and mineral precision, reflecting its higher elevation and increased limestone influence.
When compared to Les Suchots, another prestigious Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts generally shows more immediate fruit expression and approachability, though with no less aging potential. The wines tend to be more overtly perfumed and elegant compared to the denser, more powerful style often associated with Suchots.
Relative to Aux Brûlées, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts typically displays greater finesse and aromatic complexity, with less emphasis on raw power and more focus on subtlety and nuance. The limestone influence is more pronounced, contributing to greater mineral complexity.
While not directly adjacent to any Grand Cru vineyards, Au-Dessus des Malconsorts shares certain stylistic characteristics with the more accessible Grand Crus of Vosne-Romanée, particularly in terms of aromatic intensity and textural refinement, though without quite achieving the extraordinary concentration and complexity that defines Grand Cru status.
Notable Producers
Several distinguished producers hold parcels within Au-Dessus des Malconsorts, each bringing their unique winemaking philosophy to express the site's potential. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti maintains holdings in this climat, producing wines that exemplify the domaine's commitment to biodynamic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Their interpretation typically emphasizes purity and terroir expression.
Domaine Méo-Camuzet represents another significant stakeholder, with their parcel producing wines that showcase the house style of elegant power and refined tannin management. The domaine's approach to this site emphasizes extended maceration and careful oak integration to highlight the terroir's natural characteristics.
Other notable producers include members of the Gros family, whose various domaines have historically held parcels in this climat. Each producer brings subtle variations in style, from more traditional approaches emphasizing extended aging to more modern techniques focused on fruit preservation and early approachability.
The stylistic variations among producers reflect different philosophical approaches to winemaking while maintaining the fundamental character that defines this terroir. Some emphasize extended maceration and higher extraction to maximize concentration, while others focus on gentler handling to preserve the site's natural elegance.
Historical Background & Classification
Au-Dessus des Malconsorts has been recognized as a Premier Cru since the official classification system was established in 1936, though its reputation for producing exceptional wine extends far beyond the formal recognition. Historical records indicate viticulture in this specific location dating back several centuries, with the site consistently noted for producing wines of superior quality.
The climat's classification reflects its consistent ability to produce wines that transcend village-level quality while displaying the distinctive characteristics that justify Premier Cru status. The official boundaries were carefully delineated based on centuries of empirical knowledge about soil quality, exposure, and wine character.
The historical reputation of Au-Dessus des Malconsorts has been built through generations of careful viticulture and winemaking, with the site consistently producing wines that command respect among Burgundy connoisseurs. The climate's relatively small size has contributed to its exclusivity and the intimate knowledge that producers have developed of its specific characteristics.
Throughout various ownership changes and inheritance divisions, the site has maintained its reputation for quality, with each generation of vignerons contributing to the accumulated knowledge of how to best express its terroir potential.
Aging Potential & Quality Level
Wines from Au-Dessus des Malconsorts demonstrate excellent aging potential, typically reaching initial maturity after 8-12 years but capable of developing for 20-25 years or more in exceptional vintages. The aging trajectory typically shows an initial period of primary fruit dominance, followed by gradual integration of secondary characteristics including earth, leather, and game notes.
The quality level is consistently high, though vintage variation does occur as with all Burgundy sites. The vineyard's favorable exposure and drainage characteristics help ensure quality even in challenging years, while exceptional vintages can produce wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity.
During aging, the wines typically develop increased textural complexity, with tannins becoming more integrated and the mineral backbone becoming more prominent. The aromatic evolution often reveals tertiary characteristics including forest floor, truffle, and dried herb notes that add layers of complexity to the original fruit and floral profile.
Quality consistency is generally excellent among serious producers, though the small size of individual holdings means that production quantities remain limited. The site's reputation continues to grow as wine lovers discover its distinctive character and aging potential, cementing its position among Vosne-Romanée's most respected Premier Cru vineyards.
The vineyard's combination of immediate appeal and long-term development potential makes it particularly attractive to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both the pleasure of early drinking and the rewards of patient cellaring. This versatility, combined with the distinctive terroir expression, ensures Au-Dessus des Malconsorts' continued recognition as one of Burgundy's outstanding Premier Cru sites.