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Pommard is a Burgundy appellation renowned for producing powerful wines that combine tannin and density. This appellation is recognized by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) label and produces exclusively red wines. Among Burgundy’s 84 appellations, Pommard stands out for its reputation as a colorful, powerful wine. Pommard is located in the Côte de Beaune, between Beaune and Volnay. Pommard is also home to the famous Château de Pommard, a leading exponent of Burgundy’s gastronomic culture.
The story of Pommard, where virile wines are modernized
The name “Pommard” comes from “Pomone”. Pomona was the goddess of fruit and orchards, cultivating her crops and ripening her fruit better than anyone else. So the name Pommard already reflects an identity linked to know-how and a love of the product. Throughout French history, writers and kings have recognized the quality of Pommard wines. Henri IV, Louis XV, Victor Hugo and Flaubert all appreciated these wines and made reference to them! For centuries, the name Pommard has evoked virility. This reputation is due to a longer vatting period than other Burgundy appellations, with 14 to 20 days. According to some reports, geology plays less of a role in the identity of Pommard appellation wines than is generally accepted, and that the method used to create the wines is more to blame. However, the trend towards softer wines is now present in Pommard through certain winemakers, so it’s no longer appropriate to confine Pommard wines to a simple type of virile, powerful wines, since we can now find very good Pommard wines that are fine and round.
The Pommard vineyards and their ferruginous soils
The Pommard vineyard is divided into numerous climats and lieux-dits: the appellation is made up of 28 climats classified1er Cru, some of the most famous of which are Clos des Epeneaux, Les Rugiens Bas and Les Rugiens Hauts. The Pommard vineyard, located between Beaune and Volnay between 250 and 330 meters above sea level, covers 321.63 hectares of soil, sometimes tinged red, with more clay and iron than its neighboring appellations.
Pommard wines are powerful and structured
Pommard wines are made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Visual examination reveals a deep red color with mauve highlights. On the nose, the bouquet reveals black fruit aromas such as blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant. Over time, aromas of chocolate, baking, pepper and even iron can be detected. On the palate, a fine tannic and acidic structure accompanies fruity notes. The most ferruginous terroirs (e.g. Les Rugiens) produce the appellation’s most typical wines. The finishes are powerful, structured and full-bodied, suggesting long cellaring times. Pommard wines are wines for laying down, and can improve over 10 to 30 years.
Pommard promises intense pairings
The Pommard appellation produces very dense, tannic wines. In fine weather, you can opt for grilled prime rib or rack of lamb, and in winter for boeuf bourguignon or navarin d’agneau, as well as oriental cuisine such as couscous. Offal such as kidneys, liver or calf’s heart, skewered beef offal, are also good options. Not forgetting certain washed-rind cheeses (Langres, Epoisse, Livarot).
The great vintages of Pommard
Pommard wines were particularly successful in 2005, 2009 and 2015. Good vintages include 2001, 2002, 2010 and 2014. Finally, historically, Pommard’s greatest vintages date from 1969, 1971 and 1978.
Original Pommard producers
Domaine du Comte Armand
This field has two special features. The first is to own the Clos des Epeneaux, a 5.23-hectare vineyard surrounded by walls built between the 18th and 19th centuries. The second is that a Quebecker was at the head of the estate. Pascal Marchand managed the estate from 1985 to 1999. As for the wines offered by this domaine, they are, like most Pommard wines, powerful and firm. These are highly successful wines for laying down, perfectly representing the uniqueness of the Pommard terroir.
Domaine La Pousse d’Or
Domaine de la Pousse d’Or is based in Volnay, on parcels where vines have existed since the 4th century! This producer boasts a wide range of top-quality wines, thanks to its 5 grands crus and 11 premiers crus. This Pommard estate is now run by Benoît Landanger, who after studying engineering joined his father in the domaine in 2013. In 2018, he took over the reins of the estate, and this transmission from father to son gives Domaine de la Pousse d’Or a fine continuity in their shared desire to protect the exceptional terroir of their vineyard plots. In fact, the estate works biodynamically to ensure the sustainability of its vines.
