2009 Domaine de la Vougeraie Bonnes Mares

Domaine de la Vougeraie is a Burgundy producer and importer of numerous Grands Crus, Premier Crus and villages wines. Based in the village of Premeaux-Prissey in Nuits-St.-Georges, the domaine was founded in 1961 by Jean-Claude Boisset and his wife. Since then the family has acquired numerous domaines in Burgundy, other parts of France, and in California, Canada and Italy. The Boisset Family owns and operates one of France’s largest wine conglomerates. Domaine de la Vougeraie became what it is today when, in 1999, the son and daughter of the founder assembled 86 acres of vineyards across 28 Burgundy appellations and brought them all under the control of Domaine de la Vougeraie. The domaine’s Grand Crus include Bonnes Mares, Charmes-Chambertin Les Mazoyeres, Clos de Vougeot and Musigny.

Bonnes Mares is a Grand Cru vineyard that is located in two appellations Chambolle-Musigny and the neighboring Morey St.-Denis. Of the total of 37.6 acres, 33.75 are in Chambolle, and just under 4 acres are in Morey St. Denis. The history of the vineyard is complicated and today there are some 35 landholders. The vineyard lies between 265 and 300 meters. The soil is heavier toward Morey St.-Denis, which is the northern end of the vineyard, and lighter as the vineyard enters the Chambolle-Musigny commune. Principal landholders are De Vogue, 6.7 acres; Drouhin-Laroze, 3.7 acres; and Georges Roumier, 3.5 acres.

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.