Benjamin Leroux BENJAMIN LEROUX VOLNAY 1ER CRU LES MITANS 2019

Description

‘Mitans’ derives from the old French for “center”, and this is probably the origin of the name as this Cru is found in the heart of the appellation (on the slopes below the village). This plot of 0.65 hectares is located near the Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre and invades the Mitans l’Ormeau lieu-dit. The soil here is fine clay covered with limestone and the vines are on average 50 years old. Just a hint of a whole deck this year.

Les Mitans is considered one of Volnay’s most elegant, fine and cerebral expressions, even though Leroux offers a wine of true depth and intensity. 2019 is true to its fame!

Benjamin, of Domaine Benjamin Leroux, whispers to himself in reverent tones, it could very well happen to the role of Henri Jayer as emblematic winemaker of Burgundy. In the words of Allen Meadows, Ben (still in his 40s) is “extremely thoughtful… Positively brilliant… One of the young winemakers, if not the most gifted, in all of Burgundy”.

Former régisseur at the prestigious Domaine des Epeneaux (Comte Armand), Benjamin Leroux creates vina not only from some of his own vineyards, but also from carefully selected growers with their aim of growing high quality grapes. He exercises maximum control over the farmers, insisting (as much as possible) on organic and biodynamic practices. The focus remains on the vine and the high quality grapes rather than on the purely prestigious denominations, although there are certainly many of these in its catalog as well.

Although he has mastered the technical elements of winemaking, Benjamin embraces a philosophical view of the craft and his art. Although he follows the rhythms and practices of biodynamics and highlights its benefits, he insists that it is a philosophical approach and not a religious dogma. Consequently he deviates from any treatment that conflicts with his perception of harmony with nature. He therefore avoids copper altogether, even though it is allowed in both biological and biodynamic practice. Likewise, Ben remains indifferent to whether his wines get praise and scores from critics. Rather, Ben insists, he strives to make wines that, when a group of friends sit down and open a bottle, there is a shared sense of good times, a bonhomie.