Domaine Nicolas Rossignol : Pommard Village "Les Noizons" 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Pommard Village "Les Noizons" 2018 from Domaine Nicolas Rossignol

Tasting

Appearance
The color shows a deep red hue, characteristic of the intensity of the 2018 vintage in the Côte de Beaune.

Nose
The nose reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, notably cherry and raspberry, complemented by subtle earthy and spicy notes. With aeration, nuances of undergrowth and leather begin to emerge, hinting at the wine’s potential to evolve.

Palate
On the palate, this wine combines power and charm with a juicy expression of red fruit. Flavors of ripe cherry and raspberry dominate, lifted by delicate spicy notes and a mineral complexity drawn from iron- and limestone-rich soils. The tannins are silky and polished, providing structure and aging potential without overpowering the fruit. The overall impression is harmoniously balanced, with a long finish that extends the fruit aromas and the distinctive minerality of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings
This Pommard Village "Les Noizons" 2018 pairs perfectly with beef dishes, notably a thick grilled steak or a beef roast. It also accompanies roasted poultry, duck and goose with elegance, as well as roasted or braised lamb. Game lovers will appreciate its match with venison and other wild meats. For cheeses, opt for characterful varieties such as époisses, langres, soumaintrain or an aged comté. On the other hand, avoid heavily spiced dishes that could throw the wine off balance.

Serving and cellaring
Serve this wine at a temperature of 15-16°C to fully appreciate its qualities. A brief decanting will help open up the aromas.

The structure and power of a Pommard from Burgundy

The estate
Founded in 1997 by Nicolas Rossignol, a fifth-generation winegrower in Volnay, Domaine Nicolas Rossignol now spans around 17 hectares in Burgundy. After training at the Beaune Winegrowing School and completing internships at several prestigious estates in France and abroad, Nicolas Rossignol developed a terroir-respectful approach inspired by biodynamics. In 2011, the estate merged with Domaine Rossignol-Jeanniard, creating a portfolio of nearly 30 distinct appellations. Since 2017, the facilities have been based in Beaune in a modern, functional winery. Nicolas Rossignol, owner and winemaker, continues a philosophy focused on the authentic expression of each plot.

The vineyard
The Pommard Village "Les Noizons" comes from a parcel located in the Pommard appellation, between Beaune and Volnay, on the Côte de Beaune. The vineyard benefits from a south to south-southeast exposure, at an altitude between 290 and 320 meters, with a slope of 3 to 10%. The soils are composed of clay-silt materials with a red coloration due to the presence of iron oxides, enriched with a high proportion of dolomitic limestone rich in magnesium and calcium. These limestones naturally break down and integrate with marls and iron-rich clays, creating a terroir conducive to the expression of structured, mineral wines. The name "Les Noizons" refers to the walnut trees that historically occupied this site before the planting of vines.

The vintage
The 2018 vintage in Burgundy stands out for the rare combination of quality and quantity. Winter and spring were particularly wet, with rainfall exceeding double the averages in January and March, building significant water reserves. January recorded exceptionally mild temperatures, the highest since 1945, while February brought the cold needed for vine dormancy. Spring and summer posted temperatures consistently 1.5 to 2°C above average, with a subtropical May that encouraged vegetative growth. August saw hot, dry conditions, tempered by small, regular showers that maintained vine vigor without excessive heat. Harvesting began as early as late August for some producers. The best 2018 red wines show pure fruit, fine density, silky textures and ripe tannins, combining richness and freshness. In Pommard, the vintage proved particularly successful, as the warmth rounded out the appellation’s sometimes austere tannins.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes for the Pommard Village "Les Noizons" 2018 are harvested by hand in small eight-kilogram crates to preserve their integrity. After rigorous sorting, the bunches are conveyed by belt to the fermentation vats. Alcoholic fermentation begins naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts and lasts between six and eight days, with daily monitoring of temperatures and sugar levels. The frequency and duration of punch-downs and pump-overs are adjusted based on daily tastings. After fermentation, the free-run wine and press wine are assessed separately before being transferred by gravity into barrels. Aging lasts 10 to 20 months depending on the vintage, without racking, keeping the wine in constant contact with its fine lees. The proportion of new oak varies from 0 to 50% depending on the cuvées and the years. Malolactic fermentation takes place around six months after alcoholic fermentation, generally the following spring. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration, thus preserving the full aromatic components of the wine.

Grape variety
100% Pinot Noir