Some wines are not simply found; they are uncovered. They are rare, scarce, and elusive, like hidden treasures nestled in the hills of Beaune, where the Côte d'Or (in Burgundy) unveils its full enchantment. There, exceptional wines do not appear on the shelves of just any store; they reside in family cellars, produced in limited quantities, with most remaining close to home, cherished by those who truly appreciate them.
Among these treasures is Domaine Arnaud Baillot, the exquisite gem that Arnaud Baillot and his wife Laure have transformed into a personal project infused with passion and precision. Over two-thirds of their vineyards are premier cru, meticulously cultivated to create limited edition wines that encapsulate the essence of each plot in Burgundy. Since acquiring a small vineyard in the Côte de Beaune in 2017, their work has focused on honouring the complexity of the terroir and allowing the terroir itself to express its story in the glass.
One of their most eloquent examples is Arnaud Baillot Pommard Vieilles Vignes. Situated between Volnay and Beaune, Pommard rises on slopes ranging from 240 to 380 metres, with clay-limestone soils that impart structure and character to the grapes. Viticulture is sustainable, with each bunch handpicked, undergoing meticulous selection and monitoring of ripeness parcel by parcel.
In the cellar, traditional fermentation lasts 15 days in stainless steel tanks, with gentle pump-overs twice daily and no punching down, to preserve the natural delicacy of the pinot noir. Subsequently, the wine rests for 12 months in Burgundy oak barrels, 30% of which are new, achieving aromatic complexity and refined tannins without sacrificing elegance.
Arnaud Baillot Pommard Vieilles Vignes is testament to the fact that a great wine does not assert itself; it is gradually unveiled. A treasure from Burgundy, scarce, delicate, and unforgettable.