At the heart of Burgundy, the Pommard 1er Cru 2018, Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils displays classic stature and a distinctive temperament. This emblematic Premier Cru draws strength from east- and southeast-facing slopes where limestone, streaked with iron-rich deposits, sculpts a noble, vibrant texture. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this characterful red asserts a confident personality, balancing fleshy density with mineral precision. Its aromatic palette, precise and nuanced, opens on a bouquet of dark fruits, continues with savoury animal hints and is edged by fine oak. The structure, rich and intense, unfolds along a spicy thread, marked by pepper and delicate barrel notes. Intended for lovers seeking emotion and depth, this 1er Cru invites gastronomic pairing and moments where every detail matters. It can be enjoyed now for its youthful energy, or left to mature in the cellar to reveal even more appetising complexity.

Blend and winemaking

This Pommard 1er Cru is produced from Pinot Noir, the king grape of the Côte de Beaune, here elevated by a limestone terroir enriched with iron-rich deposits. The grapes, carefully sorted, are fully or partially destemmed depending on the harvest profile, then vinified in small vats to promote the most precise extraction. The fermentation is accompanied by a 15 to 18-day maceration, which develops attractive colour intensity and an elegant tannic framework. The ageing lasts 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with a controlled proportion of 30 to 40% new oak, to complete the structure, refine the contours and add toasted nuances without overpowering the fruit. This respectful and exacting approach seeks a subtle balance between power, aromatic precision and freshness on the finish.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep red with garnet highlights, clear and concentrated, promising rich texture and good persistence in the glass.
• Nose : Complex bouquet blending ripe dark fruits, cherry and blackberry, with refined savory animal nuances, spicy accents and discreet oak recalling cedar and a hint of tonka bean.
• Palate : Broad and structured attack, tight yet silky tannins, a savory mid-palate on spicy and peppery notes. The finish is long and harmonious, stretching over a mineral imprint and elegant aromatic persistence.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this Pommard 1er Cru at around 15 to 16°C in large wine glasses to allow the wine to open up and reveal the finesse of its bouquet. A short decanting, used sparingly, can be beneficial when young to soften the tannic frame and release the spice notes. At the table, favour precise, slow-cooked or roasted dishes that respect the wine’s breadth and noble texture. The 2018 vintage offers generous, gastronomic qualities supported by solid structure, making it approachable now. Collectors looking for greater complexity can leave it to age in the cellar under cool, stable conditions to develop tertiary aromas and further refine the structure.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : delicate charcuterie, truffled country terrine, gougères with matured cheeses.
• Starters : perfect egg with wild mushrooms, hand-cut beef tartare, forest pie.
• Main courses : coq au vin, roast duck with mild spices, veal chop lightly pink, dry-aged beef cut, porcini risotto.
• Cheeses : aged comté, truffled Brillat-Savarin, mountain tomme, Langres.
• Desserts : a bold pairing with a barely sweet dark chocolate fondant or spiced poached pear.

Occasions

The Pommard 1er Cru 2018, Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils is an ideal companion for:

• Celebrating a seasonal dinner where terroir cooking meets a fine bottle.
• During a tasting with connoisseurs who appreciate the depth of a Burgundy 1er Cru.
• As an exceptional gift to mark an occasion, say thanks, or share a special moment.

Characteristics

• Name : Pommard 1er Cru 2018, Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils
• Appellation : Pommard 1er Cru AOC
• Type : Red wine, 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape : Pinot Noir
• Alcohol : 13.5%
• Ageing : 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, of which 30 to 40% new
• Terroir : east and southeast exposures, limestone soils with iron-rich deposits
• Cellaring : very good ageing potential
• Serving temperature : around 15 to 16°C