Wines Pommard Domaine Joseph Voillot - Les Rugiens - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Joseph Voillot’s Pommard 1er Cru “Les Rugiens” 2019 is a distinguished red Burgundy, crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the renowned “Les Rugiens” Premier Cru site. The 2019 vintage is characterised by its purity of fruit, vibrancy and structure, owing to a favourable growing season marked by a warm summer and timely harvest. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils bring a compelling minerality and depth, while Joseph Voillot’s traditional vinification—partial destemming and ageing in French oak barrels, of which only a modest proportion are new—preserves the delicacy and aromatic complexity of Pinot Noir. The result is a wine that balances ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with hints of violet, spice, and subtle earthiness, all underpinned by fine yet assertive tannins and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

Pommard sits at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, a region celebrated for its red wines of both power and finesse. The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm, sun-drenched summers creating ideal ripening conditions for Pinot Noir. The soils of Pommard, rich in iron and limestone, impart a distinctive firm structure and savoury character to the wines, contributing to their reputation for age-worthiness. Historically, Pommard wines have been cherished among Burgundy’s most robust reds, with “Les Rugiens” often cited as the appellation’s flagship Premier Cru, revered for its complexity and potential for graceful development over time.

This Pommard’s structure and depth call for hearty dishes. Classic pairings include roast duck with a cherry sauce, beef bourguignon, or lamb shoulder confit. Regionally, the wine sings alongside Burgundy’s signature dishes such as coq au vin or wild mushroom fricassée. Hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gruyère also make a delightful match.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool at 16-17°C. Decant it for 1-2 hours to allow its bouquet and texture to fully emerge, particularly in its youth. While beautifully expressive now, this 2019 Premier Cru will reward several more years in the cellar, gaining further elegance and complexity.