Pommard is an appellation of clos (walled vineyards) and quite a few monopoles. While the definitions of clos and monopole are pretty clear and straightforward, the vineyards in Pommard sometimes take on somewhat strange permutations to attain these vaunted distinctions.
A Wineghog reader last week was looking at maps and noticed that the Clos des Èpeneaux vineyard was nowhere to found on some of the “official” maps. Furthermore, he failed to comprehend how the missing vineyard could also be a monopole, when other wines are produced from the vineyards Grands and Petits Epenots (yes, the spelling is correct).
Well, we know where that vineyard is! But let’s take a closer look ..
Vineyard maps
Vineyard maps are often not very clear regarding the Clos des Epeneaux – either the location or for that matter the explanation of its place in the classification.
The normally trusted maps I use on my Iphone and Ipad show the two main vineyards: Grands and Petits Epenots.
and even the maps from the BIVB, Burgundy’s professional organization, use the Grands and Petits Epenots labels. These are both in a sense correct. But they are certainly not complete in explaining the location of the perhaps most famous Pommard vineyard – Clos des Epeneaux.
You need to login to read the rest of this article. If you are not a subscriber, use the subscribe function and sign-up.
- A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
- A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
- A vivacious wine for pure indulgance
- A Vin Vif - fresh, energetic and with a light appearance
Very interesting matter indeed – what about Domaine de Courcel’s Grand Clos des Epenots – is that one situated in Grands Epenots solely?! Could not find any map indicating that one neither…
I have not seen the maps – but given the name . I would expect its Grands Epenots. /Steen
Tried a bottle of Armand Comte Clos des Epeneaux 2019, just beyond expectation. I got very much confused with the reputation and ‘elegant’ impression mentioned from the book . I did not find lingering pleasure inside this bottle, not my type.
I tend to agree. Prefer the Pommard Rugiens with its mineral notes