2011 Geantet-Pansiot Bonnes Mares

Geantet-Pansiot was founded in 1954 when Edmond Geantet married Bernadette Pansiot and the newlyweds began farming a 7-acre vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. Today the estate is run by their son Vincent and his son Fabien, and it has grown to 32 acres. The estate makes many red and white Burgundies, as well as a rose. Of special note are Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, and Premier Crus from Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny. Clive Coates has noted that “These are intensely flavored wines…there is succulent perfumed fruit and good balance…”

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.