Viniou Reviews
This Pommard 2021 from Joseph Drouhin is a distinguished red Burgundy hailing from one of the most iconic villages on the Côte de Beaune. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this wine reflects both the elegance and power characteristic of the Pommard appellation. The 2021 vintage, marked by cooler temperatures and lower yields, has resulted in wines with pronounced aromatic freshness, bright acidity, and fine-grained tannins. Vinification typically involves a careful sorting of the grapes, traditional fermentation in open vats, and ageing in French oak barrels, allowing the wine to express both purity of fruit and subtle complexity from the oak.
Pommard is situated at the heart of Côte de Beaune, a region celebrated for its limestone-rich soils and favourable microclimate. The varying exposures and elevation across the appellation yield wines with both structure and mineral finesse. Historically, Pommard enjoys a reputation for producing some of the more robust and age-worthy reds of Burgundy, renowned as early as the 18th century among aristocratic circles. The region’s continental climate—characterised by warm summers and cool autumns—contributes to the gradual ripening of Pinot Noir, preserving aromatic intensity and freshness.
For food pairings, this Pommard is exceptionally versatile due to its balance of fruit and structure. It shines alongside classic Burgundian dishes such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon, but also complements roast duck, game birds, and earthy vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. The wine’s acidity and subtle tannins work particularly well with hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gruyère. For a regional delight, try serving it with jambon persillé, a traditional Burgundian ham terrine.
To fully appreciate the wine’s complexity, decant it for around 30 minutes before serving. The optimal serving temperature is between 16-17°C, allowing the bouquet of red cherry, violet, subtle spice, and earth to unfold gracefully. Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy, or allow it to mature for several more years to reveal greater depth and refinement.
