Pommard AOP
Pommard, an icon of the Côte de Beaune
Here is a name that invariably rhymes with great red wine. Pommard is in fact considered as "the flower of Burgundy wines". Here, the pinot noir is fully expressed, through wines of appellation Village and Premier Cru. Colourful and bouqueted, solid and tannic, Pommard wines are proud representatives of the Burgundy vineyard. However, thanks to winegrowers who have been able to exploit the particularities of each Climat, the wines of the Pommard appellation have multiple personalities, from the most powerful to the most delicate.
General presentation of Pommard
In ancient mythology, Pomona is the goddess of fruit and gardens. The village of Pommard was inspired by her for its name, and rightly so, as the vine has found here a perfect place to flourish. This commune of the Côte d'Or is located a stone's throw from Beaune and to the north of Volnay. This so-called "feminine" AOC is often contrasted with that of Pommard, which is firm, solid and, consequently, considered "masculine". This is without taking into account the diversity of the terroirs available to Pommard, which are at the origin of contrasting wines. In the heart of the Côte de Beaune, in the extension of Meursault, these three appellations offer some of the most renowned wines of the region.
The vineyard of Pommard counts 320 hectares, of which 115 are classified as Premier Cru. 28 Climats are concerned by this distinction, including: Les Rugiens, Les Epenots, En Largillière, Les Charmots, Clos Micot, Clos Blanc, les Pézerolles, among others. These Premier Crus are spread over the lower and middle slopes. This appellation area, although prestigious, has no Grand Cru. But its red wines are among the undisputed references of the Burgundy region.
Pommard is the domain of pinot noir, its main grape variety. A few accessory grape varieties are authorised: pinot gris and pinot liébault.
Characteristics of Pommard
Pommard is renowned for its power, richness and frankness. It is distinguished by the firmness of its tannins, which can make it astringent during its first years. This is why it is often advisable to wait at least 4 years before tasting it, so that it opens up fully and the tannins become rounder. However, to appreciate the pleasure of the fruit, some vintages can be drunk young.
AOC Pommard wines have a deep, dark ruby colour, often with purple tints. Its intense aromatic bouquet is reminiscent of black fruits, notably blackberry and blueberry, often with the addition of cherry pit. As the years go by, the more powerful wines become musky; there are also traditionally notes of leather and even faded flowers, such as peony and rose. At maturity, the aromatic palette turns to undergrowth and animal notes.
Pommard AOC is a good wine for laying down: 10 years or more for the best vintages.
How to taste a Pommard
Powerful and tannic, a Pommard AOC is an ideal accompaniment to fine roast poultry or stews. The Premier Cru wines are perfect for braised or roasted game. Cheeses with great flavour reveal all their quality with this excellent red wine: Livarot, Pont-l'évêque, Langres, Epoisses, Munster, Comté vieux, to name but a few.
It is advisable to serve a Pommard at a temperature of 15-16°. When it is young (less than 4 years), it can be decanted. However, never decant a mature Pommard.
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