For lovers of Burgundy’s elegance, there’s something undeniably alluring about the raw power of Pommard. And when it comes to structured, long-lived Pinot Noir with serious intent, Domaine de Courcel stands as one of the appellation’s most uncompromising champions. With roots going back over four centuries, this family-owned estate in the Côte de Beaune has quietly—and confidently—built a cult following among sommeliers, collectors, and Burgundy purists. These are not wines that chase fashion. They demand patience, provoke conversation, and reward those who appreciate authenticity over gloss.
The Winery’s Past
Founded in the 17th century, Domaine de Courcel is one of the oldest family estates in Burgundy, with a history dating back to 1660. Based in Pommard, the estate has remained under the same family ownership for more than four centuries, an extraordinary achievement that underscores its commitment to tradition and continuity.
For much of its history, Domaine de Courcel operated in relative anonymity, selling grapes or wines to négociants. But that changed decisively in the 1990s, when the estate began bottling under its own label and hired renowned winemaker Yves Confuron (also of Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot in Vosne-Romanée) to lead the cellar.
Under his stewardship, the domaine adopted a style that celebrates power, minerality, and age-worthiness—a bold direction that stood out in a region increasingly seduced by early-drinking charm.
The Individuals
The current generation of the de Courcel family continues to oversee the estate, but it is Yves Confuron who has become synonymous with the domaine’s stylistic voice. Known for his cerebral and uncompromising approach to Pinot Noir, Confuron brings a Vosne-Romanée sensibility to Pommard’s natural intensity.
His philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, low yields, and extended macerations. Fermentations are natural, and whole-cluster vinification is a hallmark. This results in wines that are tannic and firm in their youth, often misunderstood by those expecting plush fruit or immediate generosity. But for those who understand the architecture of great Burgundy, Confuron’s wines are thrillingly alive—expressive of their place, structured for the long haul, and unapologetically individual.
Terroir & Vineyards
Domaine de Courcel farms 10.5 hectares, all within the commune of Pommard. The jewel in the crown is the estate’s remarkable holdings in some of the village’s most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards, including:
Les Rugiens-Bas – Often considered the Grand Cru of Pommard, this vineyard produces the estate’s most structured and powerful wine, with deep minerality and longevity.
Les Epenots – Slightly more refined and elegant, this cru offers a counterpoint to Rugiens with a velvety texture and red fruit purity.
Les Fremiers – A finely poised Premier Cru with great aromatic lift and balance, showing a more graceful side of Pommard.
Grand Clos des Epenots – A monopole site (exclusively owned by the domaine) producing concentrated, complex wines with great depth and potential.
The soils here are classic Burgundian clay-limestone, with iron-rich components in places like Rugiens that contribute to the wines’ famously firm tannins. The vineyards are managed with a lutte raisonnée approach, practicing sustainable viticulture with careful attention to soil health and biodiversity.
Portfolio of Wines
The domaine focuses entirely on Pinot Noir, and it shows in the precision and intensity of their bottlings. The wines are fermented using native yeasts, often with 100% whole clusters, and aged in oak barrels (30–50% new) for up to 18 months.
Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens-Bas – A benchmark wine for the appellation, dense and muscular, capable of decades of aging.
Pommard Premier Cru Les Grand Clos des Epenots – A monopole bottling with finesse, structure, and real gravitas.
Pommard Premier Cru Les Fremiers – More approachable in youth, offering red cherry, floral tones, and polished tannins.
Pommard Premier Cru Les Epenots – Elegant and mineral, showing balance between structure and fruit.
Pommard Village – While it may lack the complexity of the Premier Crus, this wine still delivers intensity and typicity, offering a more accessible entry point to the domaine.
These are not Pinot Noirs built for fruit-forward immediacy. They’re wines of architecture—built layer by layer, requiring air, time, and attention. For seasoned palates or patient cellars, Domaine de Courcel offers some of the most rewarding Burgundy experiences available.
