Chateau de Pommard

History of Château de Pommard

The history of Château de Pommard is a rich tapestry, woven by generations of families passionate about wine and Burgundy. It all begins in 909, when Benedictine monks planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the village then called Polmarium, soon renamed Pommard. From the Middle Ages, the estate attracted the attention of the Dukes of Burgundy, who spread the region's wines throughout the world. In 1340, Phillibert Micault, Captain of Pommard, laid the foundations of the estate's founding dynasty. In 1726, Vivant Micault, a descendant of this lineage, built a magnificent Regency-style manor, considered one of the finest residences in the region.

Over the centuries, Château de Pommard passed through the hands of illustrious families, including the Marey-Monge, who gave their name to the estate's emblematic Clos. In 1763, Claude Marey, a visionary merchant, acquired the property, followed by his son Nicolas-Joseph, who, facing the French Revolution, sold the manor while keeping the vines. In 1802, he erected a second château, Château Marey-Monge, just 200 meters from the first. This place became a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte, who stayed there in the famous Blue Room.

In 1936, the Laplanche family reunited the two châteaux, marking a turning point in the estate's history. In 2003, the Giraud family modernized the vinification process, transitioning from oak foudres to stainless steel tanks, before the Carabello-Baum family, in 2014, took over with a vision firmly focused on biodynamics. Since then, Château de Pommard has been certified organic in 2019 and biodynamic by Demeter in 2021.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château de Pommard

The Clos Marey-Monge, the beating heart of Château de Pommard, is an exceptional vineyard extending over 20 hectares, surrounded by a stone wall built in 1812. This monopole, the largest in Burgundy, rests on an alluvial fan from the Avant-Dheune valley, a unique geological terroir shaped by 150 million years of history. The soils rich in clay and limestone offer ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, the estate's king grape variety. In 1855, Doctor Jules Lavalle classified the Clos Marey-Monge as Première Cuvée, a distinction confirmed in 1892 by Danguy and Aubertin.

The Clos is divided into seven distinct parcels – Simone, Chantrerie, Les Paules, Grand Champs, 75 Rangs, Micault and Émilie – each with a unique microclimate and soil composition. The Simone and Chantrerie parcels, for example, display clay levels among the highest in Burgundy, comparable to those of the Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits. Since 2016, the estate has adopted a biodynamic approach, banning chemical products in favor of natural composts and sprays based on plants and rainwater. The vines, some dating back to 1906, are carefully cultivated, sometimes with the help of horses to preserve the soil structure. This nature-respecting philosophy ensures grapes of exceptional quality, revealing the full complexity of the terroir.

Vinification at Château de Pommard

Vinification at Château de Pommard is an art that celebrates nature while minimizing human intervention. Each parcel of the Clos Marey-Monge is harvested by hand, allowing rigorous selection of the grapes. The bunches are then fermented separately in modern stainless steel tanks, guaranteeing impeccable hygiene and pure expression of the fruit. After fermentation, the wines are aged in oak barrels for 18 to 28 months, depending on the cuvée and vintage, to develop their structure and complexity.

Under the direction of Emmanuel Sala, Technical Director since 2007, and with the expertise of Antoine Lepetit de la Bigne, the estate favors a biodynamic approach, allowing the vintage to fully express itself. The final blending, carried out with precision by Cellar Master Paul Negrerie, gives birth to balanced, elegant wines faithful to their terroir. This method, combining tradition and innovation, makes Château de Pommard a model of sustainable and respectful vinification.

The Cuvées of Château de Pommard

Château de Pommard produces seven distinct cuvées from the Clos Marey-Monge, each reflecting the richness of its terroir.

Clos Marey-Monge Monopole: The estate's emblematic wine, this blend of the seven parcels of the Clos is a work of art. Intense and harmonious, it reveals aromas of red fruits, spices and undergrowth, with a silky structure and persistent finish. Perfect for lovers of great Pinot Noirs, it is ideal for accompanying refined dishes such as beef bourguignon.

Simone: Produced exclusively from the eponymous parcel, this rare cuvée is a concentrate of elegance. Its clay-rich soils give the wine notes of black cherry, violet and a velvety texture. Limited in production, Simone is an exceptional wine for aging, prized by collectors.

Vivant Micault: Made from the younger vines of the Clos, this cuvée pays tribute to the estate's founder. Fresh and accessible, it offers aromas of raspberry, pepper and beautiful minerality, perfect for immediate enjoyment or after a few years of aging.

Chantrerie: This cuvée, drawn from the parcel of the same name, stands out for its power and richness. The clay soils give it robust tannins and notes of blackberry and licorice, ideal for accompanying game dishes.

Les Paules: More delicate, this cuvée reveals floral and fruity aromas, with a silky texture and beautiful freshness. It is perfect for lovers of elegant and refined Pinot Noirs.

Grand Champs: This cuvée expresses the generosity of the terroir with notes of black fruits and a balanced structure. It captivates with its complexity and aging potential.

75 Rangs and Émilie: These two cuvées, from specific parcels, offer unique profiles, blending finesse and intensity. Émilie, named after the Marey-Monge dynasty, is particularly appreciated for its spicy notes and long finish.

In addition, Château de Pommard offers a selection of wines from the finest appellations of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, such as Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru, Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Volnay. These wines, crafted with the same care, enrich the estate's range and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

With its exceptional cuvées, its commitment to biodynamics and its centuries-old heritage, the estate embodies the essence of Burgundy. Let yourself be seduced by its elegant wines, produced with care and respect for nature, and order today to enrich your cellar with unique bottles, available at the best price.