Domaine Faiveley Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2020

Winery Background and History

Established in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Faiveley has grown to become one of Burgundy’s most prominent family-owned estates. Now in its seventh generation, under the leadership of Erwan and Eve Faiveley, the domaine encompasses over 125 hectares of vineyards across the Côte d’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Chablis. Renowned for its commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of Burgundy, Faiveley combines traditional practices with modern techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.

Producer and Winemaker

Erwan Faiveley, who took over the family estate in 2005, has been instrumental in modernizing the winery while preserving its rich heritage. Collaborating with technical director Jérôme Flous, the team emphasizes sustainable viticulture and precise winemaking to highlight the nuances of each vineyard. Their approach focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the purity and expression of the Pinot Noir grape to shine through in their wines.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The “Les Rugiens” Premier Cru vineyard is situated in the commune of Pommard within the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy. Faiveley’s 0.5-hectare parcel lies in the esteemed Rugiens-Hauts section, characterized by its steep slopes, east to southeast exposure, and iron-rich marl soils. These conditions contribute to the vineyard’s reputation for producing powerful and structured Pinot Noir wines. The 2020 vintage benefited from a warm and dry growing season, resulting in grapes with excellent ripeness and balance.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before fermentation. The proportion of de-stemmed grapes and whole clusters varies depending on the vintage. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats with daily punch-downs to extract color, tannins, and aromas. After a 19-day maceration, the wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, one-third of which are new, selected for their fine grain and moderate toast. This aging process enhances the wine’s complexity and structure while preserving its freshness.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens exhibits a deep ruby red hue. The nose reveals harmonious aromas of black fruits, oak, and spice. On the palate, the wine is powerful, underpinned by direct, velvety tannins. It offers good structure and aromatic persistency, with a balance between black fruit and spice flavors, complemented by subtle woody and smoky notes. The wine’s elegance and class are evident, showcasing its exceptional aging potential.

Food & Wine Pairing

This robust Pinot Noir pairs excellently with rich meat dishes such as roast duck, venison, or beef bourguignon. Its structure and depth also complement game birds and hearty stews. For cheese pairings, consider aged varieties like Gruyère or Comté. The wine’s complexity and balance make it a versatile companion to a range of flavorful dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the 2020 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens at a temperature of 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can help open up the wine’s bouquet and enhance its flavors. Use Burgundy-style glasses to concentrate the aromas and allow the wine to express its full character.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2020 vintage has the potential to age gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years, developing additional complexity and depth. With proper cellaring, expect the emergence of tertiary notes such as dried fruits, forest floor, and earthy nuances, enhancing the wine’s richness and character.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14%