Domaine Parent

The Parent family has been making wine in Burgundy since the 17th century, originally based in Volnay for five generations before relocating to Pommard in 1803. The domaine's historical significance extends across the Atlantic: Étienne Parent served as the primary wine supplier to Thomas Jefferson during the future US president's 1787 stay in France. Jacques Parent, the 11th generation, took over at just 18 years old with his first vintage in 1954, and later established the négociant arm Jacques Parent et Cie in 1974. His daughters Anne and Catherine Parent assumed control in 1998, becoming the first women to lead the estate.

• Family winemaking lineage dates to the 17th century
• Estate moved from Volnay to Pommard in 1803
• Étienne Parent was Thomas Jefferson's main wine supplier in 1787
• Jacques Parent launched the négociant business Jacques Parent et Cie in 1974

Domaine Parent manages approximately 10 hectares across 23 different AOCs, with holdings concentrated in the Côte de Beaune. Appellation coverage includes Pommard, Beaune, Corton, Ladoix, Monthélie, and Crémant de Bourgogne. The estate began transitioning to organic farming in 2002, achieved ECOCERT organic certification in 2013, and introduced biodynamic practices in 2010. Demeter biodynamic certification followed in 2024. Grand Cru and select Premier Cru parcels are farmed using horses rather than tractors, reflecting the domaine's commitment to minimal soil compaction and environmental stewardship.

• Organic farming began in 2002; ECOCERT certified since 2013
• Biodynamic practices adopted in 2010; Demeter certified in 2024
• Horses used for cultivation in Grand Cru and select Premier Cru plots
• Holdings span 23 AOCs across the Côte de Beaune

The domaine's Pommard sites feature clay and limestone soils, while broader holdings across the Côte de Beaune include calcareous clay, marl, and reddish clay. The climate is continental with a temperate influence. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape, producing the full-bodied, structured reds for which Pommard is known. Chardonnay is also grown, with the Corton Blanc Grand Cru representing the estate's most prestigious white wine. Production spans all four appellation levels: generic Bourgogne, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru.

• Soils range from clay-limestone in Pommard to calcareous clay and marl across other holdings
• Pinot Noir dominates production; Chardonnay used for whites including Corton Blanc Grand Cru
• Wines produced at all four Burgundy classification levels
• Continental climate with temperate influence

Harvesting is done entirely by hand with rigorous sorting in the vineyard. Fermentation lasts 16 to 18 days. Wines are aged for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with 30 to 40 percent new oak. Anne Parent oversees all viticulture and winemaking decisions, while her sister Catherine Fages-Parent manages commercial operations.

• Manual harvesting with thorough sorting at the vineyard
• Fermentation duration of 16 to 18 days
• French oak aging for 16 to 18 months with 30 to 40 percent new barrels
• Anne Parent leads winemaking; Catherine Fages-Parent handles sales and distribution