La Refène

La Refène sits in the centre of Pommard village, making it one of the more unusually positioned Premier Cru vineyards in the appellation. Most famous Pommard 1ers Crus occupy the hillside slopes to the west and south, so La Refène's central village placement distinguishes it geographically. At just 0.245 hectares, this is among the smallest classified parcels in Pommard, and its relative obscurity within the appellation makes it a lesser-known but genuinely interesting site for students and collectors alike.

• Located in the centre of Pommard village, not on the main hillside slope
• One of the lesser-known Premier Cru vineyards in the appellation
• Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

La Refène's soils combine two distinct components: marly clay-limestone and alluvial deposits with small pebbles. The marly clay-limestone component is typical of the Côte de Beaune and contributes to the structured, mineral backbone found in Pommard reds. The alluvial element, with its small pebbles, adds drainage and a subtle textural complexity to the soil profile. The vineyard faces south-east, capturing morning sun and benefiting from the gentle warming that this orientation provides in Burgundy's cool continental climate.

• Marly clay-limestone: contributes structure and mineral character
• Alluvial soil with small pebbles: adds drainage and complexity
• South-east aspect: captures morning sun in a cool climate

Wines from La Refène show a more delicate, silky profile compared to the powerful, tannic style associated with top Pommard Premier Crus like Rugiens or Epenots. The south-east exposure and mixed soil profile produce Pinot Noir that is harmonious and fine-grained in its tannins, with genuine structure underneath the elegance. This makes La Refène wines approachable relatively early for Pommard, while retaining the depth expected from a classified vineyard in this commune.

• Silky texture with fine-grained tannins, less austere than some Pommard 1ers Crus
• Harmonious and delicate character with genuine structural backbone
• Style reflects both the south-east aspect and the mixed alluvial-limestone soils

Given the tiny parcel size of 0.245 hectares, only a handful of producers hold vines in La Refène. Domaine Latour-Giraud and Domaine Ballot-Millot are the most recognised estates working with this vineyard, both respected names in Pommard with track records of quality across multiple Premier Cru sites. Pascal Prunier-Bonheur rounds out the small group of producers with access to this vineyard, bringing family-estate winemaking tradition to the parcel.

• Domaine Latour-Giraud: established Pommard producer with broad Premier Cru holdings
• Domaine Ballot-Millot: respected domaine known for structured Côte de Beaune reds
• Pascal Prunier-Bonheur: family estate winemaker working across Pommard and surrounding communes