Domaine Chantal Lescure Pommard 1er Cru “Les Bertins” 2020

Winery Background and History

Domaine Chantal Lescure, established in 1975 by Chantal Lescure and Xavier Machard de Gramont, is a family-owned estate located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France. The domaine spans approximately 19 hectares and has practiced organic viticulture since 2000, achieving certification in 2006. Their commitment to minimal intervention winemaking allows for authentic expression of each vineyard’s terroir.

Producer and Winemaker

Following Chantal Lescure’s passing in 1996, her sons Aymeric and Thibault Machard de Gramont assumed management of the estate. Winemaker François Chaveriat, who joined in 1996, has been instrumental in steering the domaine towards organic practices and producing wines that reflect their unique origins.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The “Les Bertins” vineyard is located on the south side of Pommard, near the border with Volnay, at the foot of the hills. This 1-hectare plot features old vines planted on limestone brown soils over hard limestone and scree. The vineyard’s favorable position and soil composition contribute to the wine’s distinctive minerality and structure.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2020 vintage involved manual harvesting, with grapes sorted, destemmed, and left uncrushed. A pre-fermentation maceration was followed by a smooth, long fermentation in stainless steel vats, lasting 18 to 25 days with moderate punch-downs. The wine was then aged on lees in cold cellars, using 228 and 500-liter barrels, with 30% to 50% new oak. After 18 months, the wine was racked and bottled without filtration.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The 2020 vintage has an alcohol content of 14.5%. 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby hue with garnet reflections.

• Nose: Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry harmoniously mingled with delicate woody notes, subtle hints of licorice, and undergrowth.

• Palate: Firm and velvety tannins reveal a solid structure, with generous red fruit flavors accompanied by a slight mineral character. The balance between freshness and warmth imparts elegance to the wine.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pommard 1er Cru pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as coq au vin, where the robustness of the meat complements the wine’s structure, or a rack of lamb in an herb crust, highlighting the finesse of the tannins.

Service Methods and Temperatures

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F). Decanting for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help open up the aromas and flavors, especially in its youth.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2020 Pommard 1er Cru “Les Bertins” has the structure to develop additional complexity with 10 to 15 years of careful cellaring. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature to preserve its quality and aging potential.