2005 Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair Bonnes Mares

Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair was founded in the 1970s by Bernard Clair and Jean-Louis Fougeray. Over the years the owners acquired additional vineyards, and today the estate owns 50 acres in Burgundy and 37 in Languedoc. In Burgundy the domaine produces a full portfolio of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits wines, including Bonnes Mares Grand Cru. Patrice Oliver is winemaker.

Bonnes Mares is a Grand Cru vineyard that is located in two appellations Chambolle-Musigny and the neighboring Morey St.-Denis. Of the total of 37.6 acres, 33.75 are in Chambolle, and just under 4 acres are in Morey St. Denis. The history of the vineyard is complicated and today there are some 35 landholders. The vineyard lies between 265 and 300 meters. The soil is heavier toward Morey St.-Denis, which is the northern end of the vineyard, and lighter as the vineyard enters the Chambolle-Musigny commune. Principal landholders are De Vogue, 6.7 acres; Drouhin-Laroze, 3.7 acres; and Georges Roumier, 3.5 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.