La Platière

La Platière sits within the Pommard appellation on the Côte de Beaune, classified as a Premier Cru with origins dating to 1936. A small addition of 0.5 acres was incorporated in 1982. The vineyard is positioned on the northern side of La Grande Combe, a placement shared by only a handful of Pommard Premier Crus. The site also contains sections of village-level vines, which are situated above the Premier Cru section and are considered less distinguished. Wine labeled as La Platière or Clos de la Platière will always reflect fruit sourced from the classified Premier Cru portion.

• Premier Cru classification established in 1936
• 0.5-acre extension added in 1982
• Village-level vines sit above the Premier Cru section
• Also known as Clos de la Platière

The vineyard sits at 300 meters elevation with a south to south-southwest aspect, providing strong sun exposure across the growing season. Soils are shallow and stony, composed of limestone-clay with bedrock reaching only approximately 40 centimeters below the surface. This restricted rooting depth pushes vines to work harder for nutrients and water, concentrating flavors in the fruit. The name La Platière derives directly from the terrain itself, referencing the flat limestone stones ('les pierres plates') found across the plot. The continental climate of Burgundy governs the site, bringing warm summers and cold winters with a meaningful risk of spring frost.

• Elevation: 300 meters
• Aspect: South to south-southwest
• Bedrock depth: approximately 40cm
• Named for flat limestone stones found on the plot

La Platière produces red wine exclusively from Pinot Noir, as is standard across Burgundy's Premier Cru vineyards. The combination of shallow limestone soils and strong southern exposure yields wines described as delicate yet full-bodied, with cherry, red fruit, and earthy notes at the core. The shallow bedrock and stony character of the terroir contribute a mineral thread that runs through wines from this site. While Pommard is generally known for producing some of the more structured and tannic wines of the Côte de Beaune, La Platière's specific soil profile and the choices of individual producers shape the final expression considerably.

Several producers work with La Platière fruit, including Violot-Guillemard, Jean Gagnerot, Vincent Sauvestre, Fabien Coche, and Domaine Labruyère-Prieur. Violot-Guillemard is a noteworthy example for sustainability-minded consumers; the domaine has managed its vines organically, though without formal certification, since 1999. This kind of long-term commitment to organic viticulture without seeking certification is common among small Burgundian producers who prioritize practice over paperwork.