About
Domaine de Courcel
Domaine de Courcel is one of the largest domains in Pommard. Yves Confuron, as an oenologist, farms the vineyards organically, but without certification. The domain holds 10,5 hectares of vineyards, including, mostly premier cru appellations.
The top wines of the domaine are: Pommard Premier Cru Grand Clos des Epenots, Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens, Pommard Premier Cru Les Fremiers. Pommard Premier Cru Grand Clos des Epenots 1990 scored 94, Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens 1995 scored 93-94, Pommard Premier Cru Les Fremiers 2008 scored 91-92 by the Wine Advocate.
Robert Parker comments on Pommard Premier Cru Grand Clos des Epenots 1990: “The sublime 1990 Pommard Premier Cru Grand Clos des Epenots is a poignant, even painful reminder of just what we're missing out on, thanks to Domaine de Courcel's heavy-handed contemporary winemaking regimen. The wine soars from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of tar, herbs, deep black fruit and burnt orange, the prelude to a supple, transparent, intense palate impression, full-bodied but elegant, even delicate in style.”
History
Since 1996 the winemaker of the Domaine de Courcel has been Yves Confuron. It’s owned by three sisters and one brother, who are descendants of the founders. Brother - Gilles de Courcel also manages Chanson Pere & Fits.
The Domaine was founded in the 17th century, though the names of the owners changed, as it had been passing down through the female line.
Approach
Organic without certification
The vineyards of the Domaine de Courcel are farmed organically, but without certification.
The soils are ploughed to promote intense biological activity and promote deep rooting for better expression of the terroir.
The grapes are picked late and after an accurate sorting process then vivified with stems. After a cold maceration, fermentation at low temperatures is conducted. The wines are being pumped over frequently before post-fermentation carbonic maceration. They are then matured in oak barrels for up to two years, without racking. Bottling is conducted without neither fining, nor filtering, nor correction of acidity.