2007 Michel Gaunoux Pommard 1er Cru

Michel Gaunoux is a 25-acre estate based in Corton. Founded in 1885, it has been in the Gaunoux family ever since. Michel Gaunoux ran it until is his death in 1984, when his widow took over. Today Michel’s son Alexandre runs the estate, which continues to make wines in a traditional style. Michel Gaunoux has Grand Cru parcels in Corton Les Renardes and Premier Crus in Pommard.

Pommard is a relatively large appellation of 1,655 vineyard acres just a few miles south of Beaune. Though it has no Grands Crus, Pommard’s 28 Premiers Crus are generally well regarded. The appellation produces only red wine, and wine writers often note that despite Pommard’s proximity to both Beaune and Volnay, its wines are very different from the Pinot Noirs produced in neighboring appellations. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that “The top Pommards are full-bodied, chunky, muscular, fleshy wines that impress one more for their power and expansive, mouth filling texture than for pure finesse.” The most famous Premiers Crus are Les Epenots and Les Rugiens.

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.