Premier Cru Without Compromise: The Pommard Pinot Noir Phenomenon
Pommard is one of the most famous and structured red wines of the Côte de Beaune, ideal for those looking for a more robust and long-lived Burgundian Pinot Noir. It is perfect for those who love strength combined with refinement, and want to explore a masculine and intense expression of Burgundy.
The Production Area
Pommard is located between Beaune and Volnay, with approximately 313 hectares of total vineyards, of which approximately 125 hectares are classified as Premier Cru. The vineyards extend over slopes rich in clay and limestone, at an altitude of between 250 and 330 meters, giving the wines depth and structure.
The Basics
Name: Pommard AOC
Region: Burgundy, France
Vine: 100% Pinot Noir
Extension: approximately 313 hectares (125 Premier Cru)
Alcohol content: 12.5–14%
Type: still red
Serving temperature: 14–16°C
Format: 750 ml
Tasting Notes
Deep and brilliant ruby color. On the nose it opens with notes of ripe cherry, plum, leather and sweet spices, with nuances of undergrowth and wet earth. On the palate it is full and powerful, with robust tannins, good acidity and a long and mineral finish that evolves beautifully with aging.
How It’s Made: Grape Variety, Winemaking, Aging
Pommard is vinified in the traditional way: fermentation in open vats with indigenous yeasts, aging in French oak barrels for 15–18 months, often with a use of new wood between 25% and 50% depending on the style of the producer and the parcel.
Pommard Food Pairings
Perfect with braised meats, game, pulled pork, empanadas, hamburgers. Among the cheeses, we recommend an Époisses, a mature Pecorino and a Blu del Moncenisio, which enhance the strength of the wine.
Average Price
The Pommard village wines start at around 50–70 euros, while the Premier Cru wines such as Les Rugiens or Les Epenots can easily reach 150–200 euros. Prominent producers, such as Domaine de Courcel or Domaine Comte Armand, even exceed 250 euros for the most prestigious cuvées.
Iconic Producers to Taste
- Domaine de Courcel: power and longevity
- Domaine Comte Armand: precision and class
- Domaine Michel Gaunoux: pure tradition
- Domaine Joseph Voillot: elegance and depth
- Domaine A.F. Gros: harmony and structure
History and Curiosities
Already famous in the Napoleonic era (Napoleon himself was a great admirer), Pommard has always enjoyed an aura of prestige. It is considered one of the most “muscular” reds of the Côte de Beaune, often contrasted with the finesse of Volnay, its vineyard neighbor.
