Joli Vin imports

Rebourgeon-Mure - Pommard

From their domaine in Pommard, Daniel & David Rebourgeon, father & son, tend 7.5 hectares, divided between many well regarded holdings in the appellations of Beaune, Volnay and Pommard, planted entirely to Pinot Noir and averaging more than 40 years with the oldest parcels of Pommard planted in 1902. The viticultural practices eschew the use of any chemical treatments but rather pay great attention to the long-term health and vitality of the land. Meticulous work in the vineyard throughout the year such as severe winter pruning, de-budding in May, green harvesting in July as necessary remain the necessary work of reducing yields and deliver ripe, concentrated fruit to the cellar door.

Harvesting is entirely by hand and into small cases respecting the integrity of the fruit until the time of pressing. The vinification is “classic” as Daniel likes to say. However, 100% de-stemming and cold pre-fermentations were not likely a “traditional” practice in Burgundy. Fermentations take place only in the presence of naturally occurring yeasts to respect the character of each terroir, and unfold in temperature controlled tanks which last up to 14 days. During this time, Daniel decides on a regimen in accord with the character and demands of the vintage, but which include pigeage and remontage varying only the frequency.  All of the wines rest in barrel, no more than 1/3 new oak, from 14 to 18 months, depending again on the parcel character of the vintage.

Tasting through the range, a common theme emerges: from his delicate handling of the raw materials, there is great purity of fruit, compelling aromatics of cherry fruit, red to black, elegance, finesse and restraint. These are wines that are approachable and enjoyable in their youth, though a few years will certainly soften the tannins on some of the more exuberant cuvées.

The wines from Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure are a fine illustration of the notion that there still remain outstanding artisan producers of Pinot Noir in Burgundy, quietly practicing the disciplined and painstaking work of their métier, virtually unknown to Burgundy fans here in the U.S. These wines of Daniel Rebourgeon are a quiet and gentle reminder of the soft, elegant charms that attract us to this grape and to this region in the first place.