Clos
A French term for a walled or enclosed vineyard, historically referring to vineyards bordered by walls (often built by monks) — used as a quality indicator in Burgundy and other French regions.
In depth
Clos (plural also "clos") comes from the French "clore" — to close or enclose. Historically, important vineyards in Burgundy and Champagne were enclosed by stone walls, often by the monasteries that owned them, to protect the vines and demarcate ownership. The walls also modified the microclimate, retaining heat and protecting from wind.
Famous examples include: Clos de Vougeot (Grand Cru, Burgundy — 50 hectares, entirely walled, now owned by about 80 different producers); Clos des Mouches (Premier Cru, Beaune — famous for both red and white Burgundy); Clos Sainte-Hune (Trimbach's iconic Riesling vineyard in Alsace); Clos des Lambrays (Grand Cru, Morey-Saint-Denis).
The term "clos" is legally protected in France and can only be used for genuinely enclosed (or historically enclosed) vineyard sites — though some interpretations are loose. Outside France the term is sometimes used more loosely as a quality signal.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is Clos de Vougeot?
- Clos de Vougeot is a Grand Cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy — one of the largest at about 50 hectares. It is entirely enclosed by stone walls (originally built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century) and produces Pinot Noir. Unusually for a Grand Cru, it is divided among approximately 80 different owners, so quality varies significantly. The historic Château du Clos de Vougeot sits at the centre of the vineyard.
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