Bonnes-Mares

Grape and style

Bonnes-Mares is a red Grand Cru made from pinot noir, known for a serious, structured style. The wine is generally darker and firmer than the nearby Musigny, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spices, earth and sometimes a hint of leather or truffle. The tannins are firm but fine, and the finish long.

Where Musigny is described as refined and floral, Bonnes-Mares seeks depth and power, without losing the elegance of Chambolle.

Vineyard and soil

The vineyard lies on the border between two villages: most of it belongs to Chambolle-Musigny, a smaller part to Morey-Saint-Denis. The slope is long and fairly even, with an easterly aspect.

The soil differs from one part to another. In the section near Chambolle the ground is lighter and richer in limestone, which gives the wine finesse. In the section near Morey the soil contains more clay and the wine is generally more powerful and darker. Many wines combine both parts.

Classification and rules

Bonnes-Mares is a Grand Cru, the highest classification in Burgundy. Only red wine made from pinot noir from this delimited area may carry this name. The vineyard is associated with Chambolle-Musigny and lies partly in Morey-Saint-Denis.

Because several owners hold parts of the vineyard, the style can differ from producer to producer, depending on the location of their plots.

Ageing and serving

Bonnes-Mares is built for long ageing. When young the wine is often closed and firm; after some years it develops softer tannins and aromas of truffle, leather, dried herbs and ripe fruit. Good bottles can stay in fine condition for many years.

Serve at around 16 to 17 °C and decant young bottles. The wine goes well with game, roast meat, duck and braised dishes with mushrooms.

Producers in our range

These producers feature in our Bonnes-Mares range: Georges Roumier, Drouhin-Laroze and Louis Jadot.