de La Commaraine
History and Background
Château de la Commaraine, located in Pommard, Burgundy, France, has a history that dates back to the 12th century. Known for its prestigious vineyard holdings, the estate produces highly regarded Pinot Noir wines. The recent revitalization efforts, including sustainable viticulture practices and state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, have renewed interest in this historic estate.
Vineyards and Terroir
Château de La Commaraine's vineyards are located in the Pommard appellation of Burgundy, France, covering approximately 9 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, providing excellent conditions for grape growing.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir, producing wines that reflect the elegance and complexity of Pommard's terroir.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: de La Commaraine's wines are celebrated for their refined elegance and complexity. They offer a rich palette of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle spice flavors, complemented by aromatic undertones of tobacco and cedar. The presence of high nan content imparts a crisp freshness, robust tannins, and primes the wines for excellent aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At de La Commaraine, the winemaking approach harmoniously combines traditional methods with modern techniques, emphasizing the clear expression of their unique terroir. The estate prioritizes sustainable and organic vineyard practices aimed at preserving the natural environment and ensuring the health of the vines. Hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting are fundamental to their strategy, aiming to achieve the highest quality of grapes possible.
Reputation
De La Commaraine is a distinguished wine producer with a historical vineyard located in Burgundy, France, primarily recognized for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines. The estate is renowned for its rich history that dates back to the medieval period, which notably includes ownership by the monks of Cluny and several French aristocratic families. This deep historical heritage adds a layer of prestige to its wines, marrying tradition with modern practices.
A unique aspect of de La Commaraine is its vineyard's monopole status, meaning the entire vineyard is owned by a single proprietor. This allows for meticulous control over the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to vinification, ensuring consistently high-quality wine production. The winery also employs organic and biodynamic farming practices, emphasizing sustainability and respect for the land, which further enhances the quality and distinctiveness of their wines.
Moreover, de La Commaraine has engaged in modern development projects, including the restoration of its château and the construction of luxury accommodations and a visitor center. This not only bolsters the estate's reputation as a wine producer but also as a cultural and tourist destination in the Burgundy region. The combination of historical legacy, unique ownership of the land, and commitment to quality and sustainability contributes significantly to the prestige of de La Commaraine in the wine community.
Final Thoughts
De La Commaraine, a distinguished wine producer situated in the prestigious Burgundy region, stands out due to its rich history and commitment to quality. The estate, which includes a vineyard that has been cultivated since the 11th century, is notable for its dedication to producing top-tier organic wines. Under the stewardship of Jean-Luc Vitoux, de La Commaraine not only practices sustainable viticulture but has also revitalized its winemaking techniques to blend tradition with innovation, thereby enhancing the purity and expression of their Pinot Noir grapes. This approach has earned them recognition and respect within the wine community, cementing their position as an exemplary model of fine Burgundian craftsmanship. Their Monopole, Clos de la Commaraine, continues to receive accolades for its exceptional quality, reflecting the unique terroir from which it originates.