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The La Romanée wine appellation was given to red wines from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy's Vosne-Romanee area. La Romanee is the smallest appellation in France, at only 0.8 hectares. The area is built on 100% Pinot Noir and thrives on the steeply sloping hillside directly above Romanee Conti Vineyard. Only 3100 liters of red wine are produced, which equates to around 4130 bottles. These wines benefit from extensive aging and are typically served after 10 years in a bottle under optimal conditions. Some of these wines will have been matured for 20 to 30 years.

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Where is the La Romanée wine region?

La Romanée wine area is located in the commune of Vosne Romanee in the Cote de Nuits region in Eastern France. With only 0.85 hectares of vineyard, the wine area is France's smallest wine appellation. This one-of-a-kind vineyard is located on the lower slope of the Cote d'Or cliff, with Romanee Conti immediately above. Despite its tiny size, this magnificent grand cru produces a bright wine with great age potential. The monopole, Domaine du Comte Liger Belair, owns the whole wine appellation.

History of the La Romanée wine region

The original La Romanne wine region was made up of six tiny portions. Several names have been given to the wine area over the centuries: "Es Echanges" (1602); "Es Echanges, Au Sentier du Pretre" (1664); "Au Sentier du Pretre" and "Au-dessus de la Romanée" (1769); "Echanges" (1771). The Romanee Conti map from 1760 shows the six parcels that comprised the La Romanee wine area. En La Romanne was given the appellation in 1790 by Louis Belair, who designated it as a single grand cru vineyard. While winemaking in the neighboring wine regions and appellations dates back to the medieval age, very less is known about the wine of La Romanee. During the 17th century, it was mentioned that the vineyard was sold off in an auction by the state church. 

The terroir and geography of the La Romanée wine region

This beautiful vineyard's slope sits in the button of the hill, with a 12% incline and great sun exposure. The soil is predominantly gritty, with little clay. The soil is made up of premeaux and oolitic limestone rocks that were produced 175 million years ago during the Jurassic era. As a precaution against erosion, the vines are planted perpendicular to the slope. The soil layer is fairly thin, much like Romanee Conti.

Popular grape varieties from the La Romanée wine region

La Romanne is a 100% Pinot Noir growing region. The soil, temperature, and altitude all contribute to the production of magnificent Pinot Noir grapes that are unique to the area. The Pinot Noir grapes cultivated in the region are exceptionally distinct, with a wonderful aromatic character and longevity. Wines from the La Romanee appellation are aged for at least 10 years, and some can be aged for up to 30 years depending on storage conditions. With age, the wine develops spicy and wild notes.

Food to pair with La Romanée wine 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew commonly made in French cuisine with Burgundy wines. Beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour are common ingredients in the recipe. Before adding the remaining ingredients, the meat is fried in butter or oil. Boeuf bourguignon is frequently accompanied by cooked potatoes or noodles.

This dish is not a traditional Burgundy cuisine; rather, the use of wine explains the name. The dish was originally documented in 1867 and was frequently cooked with leftover meat. At the turn of the twentieth century, the dish was acknowledged as a Burgundian delicacy.

Because of the extended cooking period, the meal tastes are deep, nuanced, and hearty. The robust La Romanee wines complement this meal well.

Foie Gras

In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which was discovered by the ancient Egyptians. When foie gras arrived in Gaul, it quickly became a delicacy for kings and noblemen. It has since become an integral component of French gastronomy, representing culinary skill, culture, and elegance.

The foie gras is available whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It is occasionally served in terrines, pan-seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. The creamy foie gras is complemented with crisp Auxey-Duresses wines with a mineral taste character. The buttery mouthfeel of foie gras is enhanced by red wines from La Romanee.

Tournedos à la bordelaise

Tournedos à la bordelaise is a classic French dish consisting of pan-seared tender red meat with authentic Bordeaux sauce. Thick beef tenderloin is marinated overnight and pan-seared on lard or oil until it is brown. The browned steak is then further cooked on a grill on moderate to low heat. The sauce is prepared in the same pan, a process known as glazing. The bordelaise sauce includes finely chopped shallots, butter spices, salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, and red wine. The sauce is reduced until it thickens with a smooth consistency. This savory sauce is then drizzled on the steak. This dish is full of flavor and is best served with ages wines from La Romanee. 

Places to visit in the La Romanée wine region

Eglise Saint Martin

St. Martin Church is a Roman Catholic church designed in the Gothic style. The church was built between 1234 and 1365 by followers of Martin's religion. The church was constructed of ferruginous sandstone and has classic romanesque art. Amazing murals from the 12th to the 17th centuries may be seen. This magnificent church is a short walk from the major train station and Place de la Republique. There are also intriguing boards with images of the church from then and now. The church has an organ that was brought from Klausen Abbey in 1773.

Le Monument Aux Morts À Vosne-romanée

Le Monument Aux Morts Vosne-romanée is a memorial established in remembrance of 37 World War II casualties. On September 11, 1921, the memorial was dedicated. This magnificent structure is made of Burgundy limestone. Barrias and Jules Couton, who won the Prix de Rome for Sculpture in 1903, built the monument.

Frequently asked questions about La Romanée

Where is the La Romanée wine region located?

The wine region of La Romanée is located in the commune of Vosne Romanee in the Cote de Nuits region in Eastern France. The wine region is France's smallest wine appellation, with only 0.85 hectares of vineyard. This one-of-a-kind vineyard is located on the lower slope of the Cote d'Or, directly above Romanee Conti. Despite its small size, this outstanding grand cru yields a vibrant wine with excellent aging potential.

What are some of the best La Romanée wines that people should try?

Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair La Romanee Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France
Domaine Leroy La Romanee Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France
Domaine du Chateau de Vosne Romanee 'La Romanee' Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France
Camille Giroud La Romanee Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the La Romanée appellation?

La Romanne is a Pinot Noir-only growing area. Soil, climate, and altitude all play a role in the creation of excellent Pinot Noir grapes that are unique to the region. The Pinot Noir grapes grown in the region are distinctive, having a remarkable aromatic flavor and durability.

What kind of wine is a La Romanée?

Wines from the La Romanee appellation are aged for at least 10 years and, depending on storage conditions, can be aged for up to 30 years. The wine develops spicy and wild notes as it ages.

Is La Romanee the smallest wine region?

Yes, La Romanee wine appellation is the smallest wine appellation in France with just 0.8 hectares of vineyard.

How long can you age the La Romanee wines?

La Romanee wines need at least 10 years of aging to develop their unique characteristics. The wines should be stored in an ideal condition. Some of these wines are aged up to 30 years which demands top dollar.

Map of Wineries in La Romanée

Discover the locations of wineries in La Romanée