Pommard Premier Cru Les Chanlins-Bas

Les Chanlins-Bas occupies the southern end of the Pommard commune, tucked between the highly regarded Les Rugiens vineyard and the boundary with Volnay. The site sits at around 400 meters elevation on a steeper section of the Côte de Beaune hillside. The aspect runs south-southeast to south, maximizing solar exposure across the growing season. This positioning at the commune's edge gives Chanlins-Bas a transitional character, sharing some of the mineral intensity associated with Rugiens while sitting at a gateway point toward the lighter, more aromatic style of Volnay.

• Southern end of Pommard commune, near Volnay border
• Adjacent to Premier Cru Les Rugiens
• South to south-southeast aspect at approximately 400 meters
• Steeper slope gradient relative to many Pommard Premiers Crus

The soils of Les Chanlins-Bas are defined by shallow, rocky limestone with a significant clay component and notably high iron content, classified broadly as marno-calcaire. This iron-rich, mineral-dense profile is a hallmark of the southern Pommard hillside and contributes to the vineyard's reputation for structured, grippy wines. The shallow depth of the soil over hard limestone bedrock stresses the vines naturally, concentrating flavors and encouraging deep root development. The rocky character of the site sets it apart from the deeper, more clay-heavy soils found elsewhere in Pommard, lending an additional stony minerality to the finished wines.

• Marno-calcaire: marl-limestone base with high iron content
• Shallow topsoil encourages vine stress and flavor concentration
• Rocky texture contributes stony minerality to the wine profile
• Clay fraction supports water retention during drier seasons

Les Chanlins-Bas produces Pinot Noir exclusively, as required under Burgundy appellation law. The wines are typically full-bodied by Burgundy standards, with a firm tannic structure that reflects both the iron-rich soils and the steeper slope's drainage. Classic descriptors include ripe cherry, black pepper, forest floor, and an earthy mineral quality. Despite the structural weight, the best examples carry genuine finesse and a supple texture that makes them approachable earlier than the densest Pommard Premiers Crus. The vineyard's proximity to Volnay lends a subtle lift to the aromatics that distinguishes Chanlins-Bas from the more brooding expressions of Rugiens.

• Full-bodied, structured Pinot Noir with firm but integrated tannins
• Primary flavors: cherry, red and black pepper, forest floor, mineral
• Greater aromatic lift compared to Rugiens, reflecting proximity to Volnay
• Ages well but offers approachability earlier than the densest Pommard Premiers Crus

Several respected domaines hold parcels in Les Chanlins-Bas, ranging from large négociant houses to small family estates. Joseph Drouhin brings its characteristic precision and Côte de Beaune expertise to the vineyard. Virely-Rougeot and Naudin-Tiercin represent established family domaines with deep roots in Pommard viticulture. Chavy-Chouet, Maxime Dubuet-Boillot, and Bachelet-Monnot round out a producer list that spans traditional and more modern winemaking approaches. As with most Burgundy Premiers Crus, parcel size and winemaking philosophy vary considerably between producers, so the same climate year can yield noticeably different expressions across the domaines.

• Joseph Drouhin: respected négociant with consistent Côte de Beaune track record
• Virely-Rougeot and Naudin-Tiercin: established Pommard family domaines
• Bachelet-Monnot: newer-generation domaine drawing increasing critical attention
• Chavy-Chouet and Maxime Dubuet-Boillot: smaller producers offering artisan expressions