Since 1840 in Volnay
Domaine Rossignol-Cornu, located in Volnay since the 19th century, was born from the union of two families: the Rossignol family from Volnay and the Cornu family from Pernand-Vergelesses. The vineyards in Volnay, Pommard, and Meursault come from the Rossignol family, deeply rooted in Volnay for several generations, while those in Pernand-Vergelesses are the heritage of the Cornu family.
Didier Rossignol has managed the estate since 1989, after succeeding his father. His son Julien joined him in 2018, thus continuing the family tradition. Today, the Domaine spans approximately 6 hectares, spread from Pernand-Vergelesses to Meursault.
The wines are crafted with respect for tradition, while combining modernity and expertise.
Working the Vineyard
We prioritise ploughing the soil rather than using herbicides to promote an optimal natural balance, with healthy, living soils and thriving vines. From the start of the season, we limit yields by practising short Guyot pruning, which helps control the number of grape clusters per cane and maintain the desired ripeness.
Depending on the vintage, we sometimes carry out leaf thinning, removing a few leaves to improve air circulation between the rows and around the grape clusters. With increasingly hot summers, we reduce vine trimming to maintain better leaf coverage, thereby preventing sunburn on the grapes.
Vinification & Ageing
The grapes are harvested by hand, allowing for a meticulous selection of the clusters. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed before undergoing cold maceration for 6 days to preserve their aromas and colour. Fermentation then takes place under temperature control over approximately 20 days, with regular punching down and pumping over to extract the components of the grapes.
The wines are then aged for 12 months in barrels, on fine lees, which imparts roundness and complexity. The use of new oak varies by appellation: 10 to 15% for Bourgogne, 15 to 20% for Villages, and 15 to 20% for Premiers Crus. Finally, the wines spend an additional 6 months in stainless steel tanks, with an exception for Bourgogne wines, which remain for only 3 months, to refine their structure before bottling.
