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One of the strongest wines in Domaine de Courcel's 2017 portfolio, originating from a 4.89-hectare monopole vineyard entirely owned by Domaine de Courcel. 'Le Grand Clos des Epenots' is located in the northern part of Pommard, where around 60-year-old 'Pinot Noir' vines grow in stony clay-limestone soils. The naturally low yields and high tannic concentration result in a structured Pommard with significant ageing potential.
On the nose, red cherries, blackcurrants, plums and dark berries are complemented by earthy notes, forest floor, white pepper, incense and subtle leather nuances. As the wine opens, the fruit becomes deeper, revealing more spice and a stony character.
On the palate, the wine is rich, concentrated and firmly structured, while retaining the freshness and acidity characteristic of Pommard. Dense layers of fruit are supported by abundant, fine-grained tannins, giving the wine tension and length. Here, 'Pinot Noir' shows not the lighter, fruit-driven side of Burgundy, but a deeper, meatier and more structured expression of Pommard. The finish is long, dry and savoury, with lingering notes of dark fruit, cherry, earth, spice and minerality.
The character of 'Le Grand Clos des Epenots' is also shaped by its site: this 4.89-hectare enclosed monopole lies in northern Pommard on an east–west-facing slope, with approximately 40–60 cm of well-drained clay-limestone soil containing abundant limestone stones.
At Domaine de Courcel, the winemaking is characterised by later harvesting, spontaneous fermentation using whole bunches and extended ageing in oak barrels.
Serve at a temperature of 15–17 °C; pairs well with duck breast and cherry sauce, roasted lamb with rosemary, or aged Comté cheese.
A family domaine that has been established in the village of Pommard for four centuries, with the current owners being descendants of its founders. The domaine covers 10.5 hectares of vineyards, planted predominantly with 'Pinot Noir', with Pommard 'Premier Cru' vineyards accounting for the majority of its holdings.
The key strength of Domaine de Courcel is its high concentration of Pommard 'Premier Cru' vineyards: 'Le Grand Clos des Epenots', 'Les Rugiens', 'Les Frémiers' and 'Les Croix Noires' account for more than 75% of the domaine's total vineyard area. 'Le Grand Clos des Epenots' is a 4.89-hectare monopole, meaning Domaine de Courcel is the sole owner of the vineyard.
The differences between these sites are clearly reflected in the wines. 'Le Grand Clos des Epenots', with its clayey-limestone, stony soils, produces wines with pronounced fruit concentration and abundant, well-integrated tannins. 'Les Rugiens' is characterised by marl and clay soils, typically producing wines with a spicy character, elegance and concentration. 'Les Frémiers' stands out for its refined tannins and spicy profile, while the more clay-rich soils of 'Les Croix Noires' contribute darker cherry fruit and a more pronounced tannic structure.
Production remains relatively small, at around 30,000 bottles per year, with the focus firmly on expressing the individual terroirs of Pommard. In addition to the four 'Premier Cru' wines, the domaine produces 'Pommard Vaumuriens', 'Bourgogne Pinot Noir' and 'Bourgogne Chardonnay'.
