Pommard

You only need to visit Beaune to appreciate this centuries-old culture, the love of vineyards and wines produced by hard-working winegrowers. As you travel through this region, you will soon discover Pomone, a small town named after an ancient goddess, mistress of gardens. All around are vineyards planted with a single grape variety, Pinot Noir, producing a wine, Pommard, which has been described since the Middle Ages as "the flower of Beaune wines."

Recognized in 1936, this appellation covers only the commune of Pommard. Located in the Côte de Beaune, between Beaune and Volnay, Pommard, its vineyards, and its beautiful residences mark the spot where the Côte slopes gently toward Autun. It is perhaps the benchmark wine of the Burgundy region. The Pommard appellation comprises 28 climats classified as Pommard Premier Cru, the most renowned of which are undoubtedly Les Rugiens and Les Epenots.

The Pommard and Pommard Premier Cru vineyards are planted at an altitude of between 250 and 330 meters, facing east to south. The lowest part of the terroir rests on ancient alluvial deposits, while the middle of the hillsides is covered with well-drained clay-limestone soils thanks to a layer of rocky debris. Higher up, there are Oxfordian marls, brown calcareous soils and brown limestone soils.

A vineyard on hillsides and small hills at an altitude of nearly 300 meters, generous soil rich in clay and limestone, sufficient sunshine, ideal rainfall and temperatures, in short, conditions that have allowed the production of red wines since the Middle Ages that are robust, tannic, well-rooted in this soil, yet subtle and exemplary in their authenticity. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, these Pommard red wines are all premier crus.

The fame of Pommard in the 19th century earned it a reputation as a bold and virile wine. In reality, the terroirs, vinification methods, and age nuance this portrait to offer a wine rich in sensitivity. Pommard is a wine that should be left to age a little so that it can fully open up and be particularly appreciated when produced by estates such as Domaine Roger Belland, Domaine de Courcel, or Domaine Henri et Gilles Buisson. When it comes to Pommard Premier Cru, lovers of the appellation will be more likely to turn to Domaine Leroy, Maisons Bouchard Père et Fils or Verget, or to the wines offered by Louis Jadot.

Often, red wines are characterized by their robustness, a virility on the palate, and a tannic strength that cannot be ignored. But red wines, especially Pommard, are not just about blood; they also offer a whole range of subtleties, scents, and aromas that lie behind their frank and strong character. 

The culmination of all this culture and work in the vineyards is embodied in a glass. But drinking is not everything, as it is still a ceremonial occasion. A glass of Pommard is first and foremost a play of colors, with a deep, garnet red hue. A trained eye will be able to detect mauve and bluish nuances. Then you have to put your nose above it, a pleasure not to be missed as there are many aromas, black fruits, blueberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, plum. When aged, Pommard gives off denser aromas, evoking leather, old wood and bread crust. Then you drink it, and that's when all its subtleties come to the fore. The attack is clean and fruity. You can feel the strength of the grape, but also hints of blackcurrant and blueberry. The earth that bears the vines is not far away, with solid aromas that are not aggressive. Gourmets will say that Pommard red wine goes well with meat, rib of beef, stews, game, and cheese.