Pommard Premier Cru 'Les Grands Épenots', Domaine de Montille, 2020

Domaine de Montille wanted their first kosher wines to set a new benchmark, so chose prestigious, discrete-sized premier cru sites that are picked at around the same time and usually early which is a bonus in a forward vintage like 2020.

The cuvées have not needed acidification or chaptalisation either and both reds are 100% whole cluster so minimal intervention is required to ensure quality. To ensure the barrels are kosher, they are filled up three times with water, left for 24-hrs each time and emptied, then refilled with fresh water and rinsed. The barrels are then inspected and approved. This process necessarily begins four days prior to harvest.

The domaine's wines are known for their great aromatic purity. They always favour balance and elegance over power and extraction. The wines are classic expressions of Burgundy, of their appellations in general and of their specific terroirs in particular. The farming methods they use contribute to this individual style, and their winemaking methods aim to avoid excessive outside influences in order to bring out the equilibrium that can be found naturally in Burgundian terroir.

De Montille has practiced organic viticulture since 1995. Today, their wines are certified by Ecocert. Additionally, since 2005, biodynamic practices have been implemented.

Pommard is an appellation that makes wine lovers dream. It is 312.76 hectares of Pinot Noir (115 hectares of which are Premier Crus) cover two terrains: south (on the Volnay side), the wines are elegant yet powerful; while in the north (closer to Beaune) the wines are silkier. However, this rule has some exceptions, like 'Les Grands Épenots', which is planted on a combination of clay and limestone that is rich and heavy. This Premier Cru initialised a request for reclassification to Grand Cru in 2012.

The words "epeneaux, épenots, epenottes" certainly comes from the same root as "épine", or spine. It is possible that there were previously patches of thorny bushes in the middle of the vineyard. Their Pommard 'Grands Épenots' is the most "Pommard" of their Pommards, showing its earthy, masculine side, which has impressive power despite the fact the nobility of the terroir gives it a certain refinement.

"From one of the two most reputed premier cru sites in the village, touching grand Cru quality. Darker, deeper cherry fruit, with tobacco, sandalwood, and hints of tamarind and star anise. Palate is both broad and linear, showing stricter, cedary tannins which are still ripe and juicy, with notes of cloves and tapenade around the red cherry and plum fruit, leading to a brightly herbal and stony finish."
Tom Harrow, Honest Grapes Wine Director