# Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux (2018)

- **Producer:** Domaine des Epeneaux
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €100
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, black cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, orange rind, peony, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, smoke, cedar, cloves, dried fruit, mushroom, caramel, mint, earth, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

The 2018 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux is a red wine from Domaine des Epeneaux, a historic estate in Burgundy's Pommard appellation. The wine originates from the Clos des Epeneaux, a significant monopole vineyard with vines ranging from 30 to over 100 years old. The Comte Armand family has owned the estate since 1828, focusing on expressing the terroir through biodynamic and organic farming. The 2018 vintage was marked by warm, sunny conditions, contributing to ripe fruit and structured wines.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard is a monopole, meaning it's owned by a single producer.
- Some vines in the Clos des Epeneaux are over 100 years old.
- The 2018 vintage was so ripe, some noted a Syrah-like character.
- The estate has been family-owned since 1828.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ to high tannins and structured body are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb, duck, and beef. The wine's inherent spice notes and dark fruit character can echo or contrast with savory herbs and fruit-based sauces, creating balanced pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the 2018 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux involves 100% destemming of the Pinot Noir grapes, with fermentation initiated by indigenous yeasts. Extraction of tannins is carefully managed to develop a refined texture. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with a portion (around 30-33%) being new oak. Harvests are performed manually with meticulous grape selection.