Ponsot, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Ponsot, founded in 1872, manages 12 hectares of limestone-rich vineyards in Morey-Saint-Denis and the Côte de Nuits, including their flagship 3.4-hectare Clos de la Roche Grand Cru holding. Their traditional Burgundian winemaking combines late harvesting and extended aging periods with minimal new oak barrels and native yeast fermentation, while pioneering wine authentication technology.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Ponsot's history in Burgundy began in 1872 when Jean-Baptiste Ponsot established the estate in Morey-Saint-Denis. The domaine expanded its holdings in 1934 when Hippolyte Ponsot acquired significant parcels in Clos de la Roche. Laurent Ponsot took control of the family estate in 1981, implementing systematic quality measures and technical innovations over his 37-year tenure. In 2017, Laurent Ponsot departed, with his sister Rose-Marie Ponsot assuming management alongside Alexandre Abel.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine manages 12 hectares of vineyards, with its flagship holding in Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, where they are the largest landowner with 3.4 hectares. Their portfolio includes parcels in Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru sites and Chambertin Grand Cru. The vineyards feature limestone-rich soils characteristic of the Côte de Nuits, with vines averaging 50 years of age. All plantings are Pinot Noir, maintained at traditional density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Philosophy & Practice
Ponsot adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating modern precision. The domaine pioneered temperature-tracking technology for wine authenticity, implementing digital sensors in 1996. Harvest typically occurs later than neighboring estates to ensure optimal ripeness. The winery employs minimal intervention in the cellar, using no new oak barrels and extending aging periods based on vintage conditions. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in used oak barrels ranging from 2 to 10 years old.