Domaine Nicolas Rossignol : Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" 2018 from Domaine Nicolas Rossignol

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a ruby-red hue of medium to good intensity, revealing the characteristic translucence of a high-quality Pinot Noir.

Nose

The bouquet stands out for its delicacy and complexity, unveiling aromas of dark berries accompanied by spicy notes and a subtle earthy dimension. Overall, it expresses a refined balance between the fruit’s primary characters and tertiary nuances that speak to fine ripeness.

Palate

On the palate, this Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" 2018 charms with its density and finesse. The texture is silky, supported by supple, perfectly integrated tannins. A delicate acidity brings freshness and structure, while the finish lingers elegantly on earthy notes. The whole combines concentration and refinement in a remarkable balance.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with grilled or roasted red meats, notably beef prepared simply or with a sauce. It also goes very well with darker-fleshed poultry such as coq au vin, as well as feathered game. For cheese, opt for creamy, characterful styles such as Époisses or a well-aged Comté. Mushroom-based dishes, especially with porcini or morels, also make excellent matches.

Serving and cellaring

This Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" 2018 can be enjoyed now and will continue to develop favorably until around 2031. Decanting beforehand will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic range.

A Pommard premier cru combining power and Burgundian elegance

The estate

Founded in 1997 by Nicolas Rossignol, Domaine Nicolas Rossignol now spans 17 hectares across around thirty appellations in the Côte de Beaune. Representing the fifth generation of winegrowers in Volnay, Nicolas Rossignol has enriched his family expertise with international experience in South Africa and in various French wine regions. The estate stands out for an approach he describes as \"infusion\", favoring finesse and the expression of terroirs over intensive extraction. Nicolas Rossignol farms his vines according to sustainable viticulture principles inspired by biodynamics, without formal certification, and applies a rigorous grape selection to craft wines of great purity.

The vineyard

The vines of the Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" are located south of the village of Pommard, at the foot of the slope, on a privileged terroir bordering the famous climat des Rugiens. The soils, rich in clay and deep, also contain iron oxides and have a low limestone content. This particular composition gives the wines a rounded texture and a signature succulence. The east-facing exposure with a slight southern tilt ensures optimal morning sunshine. The vines, around 35 years old, have reached full maturity and produce grapes of remarkable concentration.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Burgundy is considered exceptional. After a wet winter that replenished water reserves, the mild spring encouraged perfect flowering. The particularly hot, dry summer accelerated grape ripening under impeccable sanitary conditions. Harvest took place from August 27 to September 15, making it possible to pick fruit at optimal ripeness and of outstanding quality.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the Pommard 1er cru "Chaponnières" 2018 are harvested by hand in small eight-kilogram crates. After a rigorous sorting first on a vibrating table and then by hand, the selected bunches are vinified with indigenous yeasts. Alcoholic fermentation lasts between six and eight days, with punch-downs and pump-overs adapted to favor infusion rather than extraction. Ageing takes place on fine lees for a period of between ten and twenty months, in French oak barrels, with the proportion of new oak varying according to the vintage. Malolactic fermentation occurs around six months after alcoholic fermentation. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir