Wines Pommard Abbatiale - Les Arvelets 1er Cru - 2001

This 2001 Pommard "Cuvée Les Arvelets 1er Cru" from Château Abbatiale is a wine of distinct pedigree, hailing from one of the most celebrated appellations in the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy. While the information suggests Pinot Noir as the principal grape variety—typical for red wines in this area—it’s the terroir and meticulous winemaking that truly define the wine’s character. The 2001 vintage, now comfortably mature, would have developed complex secondary aromas, offering a bouquet likely marked by spiced red fruits, earthiness, and nuances of forest floor. Pommard wines, especially Premier Cru such as Les Arvelets, tend to display both muscle and finesse, marrying firm but silky tannins with an elegant structure and a lingering finish.

The Pommard appellation is set in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, where the gentle slopes and diverse clay-limestone soils provide the perfect cradle for expressive red wines. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate, with marked seasonal variations promoting a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. Historically, Pommard has been celebrated for producing some of Burgundy’s fullest and most age-worthy reds, and Premier Cru vineyards like Les Arvelets benefit from ideal exposures and well-drained soils, contributing to the depth and complexity you find in mature bottles.

When it comes to food pairing, a mature Pommard harmonises beautifully with classic Burgundian cuisine—think coq au vin, duck breast with cherries, or a rich beef bourguignon. Its depth and earthy undertones also make it a natural partner for game birds, roast lamb, or mushroom-based dishes such as a wild mushroom risotto. For cheese lovers, opt for washed-rind cheeses like Époisses or a creamy Brie de Meaux to complement the wine’s subtle savoury notes.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for around thirty minutes before serving can help open up its aromas and soften any remaining tannins, allowing the full depth and refinement of this mature Burgundy to shine through.