Les Saussilles

Les Saussilles occupies the northwestern corner of the Pommard commune, running as a thin strip from the top of the main slope down to roughly its midpoint. The vineyard borders Beaune to the north, placing it at the transitional edge between two of Burgundy's most celebrated appellations on the Côte de Beaune. The southeast-facing orientation captures morning sun while the elevation of 290 to 320 meters ensures cooler temperatures that preserve freshness in the finished wines.

• Borders the commune of Beaune to the northwest
• Thin strip running from the upper slope to mid-slope
• Southeast aspect maximizes morning sun exposure
• Elevation range of 290-320 meters above sea level

The soils of Les Saussilles are clay-limestone with a notable presence of iron oxide, giving them a characteristic reddish tone common to several Pommard Premier Crus. The clay-calcareous composition retains enough moisture to sustain vines during dry periods while remaining sufficiently well-drained to prevent waterlogging. The name of the climat itself reflects historical moisture conditions; willows, which favor damp ground, once grew in the area. The climate is broadly continental with temperate influences, and cool nights at this elevation play a key role in preserving the natural acidity that underpins the structure of the wines.

• Clay-limestone base with iron oxide contributing to soil color and drainage
• Well-drained despite clay content, avoiding excess water retention
• Historical presence of willows indicates localized moisture in the subsoil
• Cool nights preserve acidity and extend the growing season's freshness

Les Saussilles produces red wine exclusively from Pinot Noir. The wines are characterized by firm, crunchy tannins that distinguish Pommard as a whole from the softer styles found in neighboring Volnay. Red and black berry fruits form the core of the aromatic profile, often accompanied by mineral notes that reflect the iron-rich limestone subsoil. The structure of the wines supports medium to long aging, with tannins integrating over time to reveal greater complexity and depth.

• Firm, crunchy tannins typical of Pommard's style
• Red and black berry fruit profile with mineral underpinning
• Good aging potential supported by tannic structure
• 100% Pinot Noir as required across all Pommard Premier Cru sites

Les Saussilles holds Premier Cru status within the Pommard AOC, one of 27 to 28 individual climats to carry this classification in the appellation. The vineyard is relatively small at 3.8 hectares, meaning production is limited and bottles can be difficult to source. Several respected domaines and négociants work with fruit from this site, including Domaine Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter, Domaine Bernard and Thierry Glantenay, Maison Marchand Tawse, Domaine Antoine Jobard, Pascal Marchand, and Domaine Paul Chavy.

• One of 27-28 Premier Cru climates classified within Pommard AOC
• Total production limited by the 3.8-hectare size of the climat
• Multiple small domaines and négociants hold parcels
• Alternate historical spelling 'Saucilles' appears on some older labels