Les Pézerolles

Les Pézerolles sits within the commune of Pommard on the Côte de Beaune, classified as a Premier Cru under the Burgundy hierarchy. The vineyard occupies elevated terrain between 250 and 330 meters, placing it among the highest-altitude sites in the appellation. Its south to east-facing aspect distinguishes it from many of Pommard's lower, more southerly-oriented crus, contributing directly to its cooler microclimate and more restrained style.

• Parent appellation: Pommard Premier Cru
• Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Elevation: 250 to 330 meters
• Aspect: south to east-facing

The soils at Les Pézerolles reflect a lighter composition than many Pommard sites. Clay and silt mix with limestone, and patches of Bathonian limestone and Argovian marl appear throughout. Rock debris contributes to drainage and adds a mineral dimension to the wines. This lighter, more free-draining soil profile, combined with the cooler exposition, is the primary explanation for why Les Pézerolles produces wines so atypically refined for Pommard.

• Clay-limestone soils with lighter overall composition
• Bathonian limestone and Argovian marl present
• Rock debris aids drainage and adds minerality
• Cooler microclimate compared to lower Pommard vineyards

The vineyard's name traces back to the 12th century, when the site was recorded as 'Poizerolles,' a local term meaning chickpeas. The Abbey of Cîteaux, one of Burgundy's most influential monastic landowners, acquired Pézerolles in 1222, cementing its importance during the medieval period when the Cistercians were systematically mapping and cultivating the finest vineyard sites across the Côte d'Or. This long documented history places Les Pézerolles among Pommard's most historically significant lieux-dits.

• Documented in records from the 12th century as 'Poizerolles'
• Name means chickpeas in the regional dialect
• Abbey of Cîteaux acquired the site in 1222
• Cistercian ownership helped establish its early reputation

Les Pézerolles produces a style that stands apart from the Pommard archetype. Where most Pommard Premier Crus deliver firm, muscular, deeply tannic wines, Pézerolles is floral, lifted, and finessed. The aromatics lean toward red fruits and violet, underscored by a mineral precision that reflects the limestone-dominant soils. Tannins are supple rather than gripping. Wine professionals frequently describe the profile as Volnay-esque, a meaningful comparison given that Volnay borders Pommard to the south and produces some of Burgundy's most elegant Pinot Noir.

• Floral, lifted aromatics with red fruit character
• Supple tannins, lighter body than typical Pommard
• Mineral precision driven by limestone soils
• Often compared in style to Volnay Premier Cru

Several leading Burgundy domaines hold parcels in Les Pézerolles, and the vineyard's reputation owes much to the quality of these producers. Domaine de Montille is widely considered a benchmark reference, producing a Pézerolles of exceptional finesse and aging potential. Joseph Voillot and A.F. Gros also produce highly regarded examples. Domaine Michel Lafarge, Potinet-Ampeau, Domaine Michel Rebourgeon, and Armand Heitz round out a roster of producers that collectively underscore the vineyard's standing as one of Pommard's most outstanding Premier Crus.

• Domaine de Montille: benchmark producer, exceptional finesse
• Joseph Voillot and A.F. Gros: highly regarded examples
• Domaine Michel Lafarge and Armand Heitz: quality producers
• Potinet-Ampeau and Domaine Michel Rebourgeon also present