2003 Bouchard Ainé & Fils Pommard Les Charmots Cuvee Signature

This Beaune-based negociant is one of the largest in Burgundy, and it includes the producer Bouchard Pere et Fils. Originally started in 1731 to sell cloth, founder Michel Bouchard and his sons eventually acquired vineyards and sold wine. The Bouchard family owned and operated the company until 1995, when it was sold to the French Champagne house Joseph Henriot. With more than 300 acres of vineyards in various parts of Burgundy, Bouchard Pere et Fils produces Grand Crus, Premiers Crus and other wines. It makes red and white Burgundies, and is especially well-known for Grand Cru Chardonnays. As a negociant, Bouchard Aine & Fils, markets a large portfolio of wines from many Burgundian appellations,

Pommard is a relatively large appellation of 1,655 vineyard acres just a few miles south of Beaune. Though it has no Grands Crus, Pommard’s 28 Premiers Crus are generally well regarded. The appellation produces only red wine, and wine writers often note that despite Pommard’s proximity to both Beaune and Volnay, its wines are very different from the Pinot Noirs produced in neighboring appellations. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote that “The top Pommards are full-bodied, chunky, muscular, fleshy wines that impress one more for their power and expansive, mouth filling texture than for pure finesse.” The most famous Premiers Crus are Les Epenots and Les Rugiens.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.