Bonnes Mares

A Grand Cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France

A bottle of Bonnes-Mares wine from 1971

Bonnes-Mares is a renowned Grand Cru vineyard located in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, France. It is one of the 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy and is highly esteemed for producing some of the finest Pinot noir wines in the world. The vineyard spans the communes of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis, covering an area of approximately 15 hectares.

History

The history of Bonnes-Mares dates back to the Middle Ages, with its name believed to be derived from "Bona Mater," meaning "good mother," possibly referring to the Virgin Mary or a local goddess. The vineyard has been cultivated for centuries, with its wines gaining prominence in the 19th century. Over time, Bonnes-Mares has become synonymous with high-quality Burgundy wine, attracting wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Terroir

The terroir of Bonnes-Mares is characterized by its unique soil composition and microclimate. The vineyard is situated on a gentle slope with an elevation ranging from 250 to 280 meters. The soil is predominantly composed of clay and limestone, with variations in depth and composition across the vineyard. This diversity in soil contributes to the complexity and depth of the wines produced here.

The climate in the Côte de Nuits is continental, with warm summers and cold winters. The vineyard benefits from optimal sun exposure, which, combined with the soil characteristics, allows for the cultivation of high-quality Pinot noir grapes.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Pinot noir grapes, the primary grape variety of Bonnes-Mares

The primary grape variety grown in Bonnes-Mares is Pinot noir, known for its ability to express the nuances of the terroir. The vineyard is meticulously managed, with practices such as green harvesting and careful canopy management employed to ensure the health and quality of the grapes.

Harvesting is typically done by hand to select the best grapes, which are then fermented using traditional methods. The wines are aged in oak barrels, which impart additional complexity and structure. The resulting wines are known for their rich flavors, aromatic intensity, and potential for aging.

Characteristics of Bonnes-Mares Wine

Bonnes-Mares wines are celebrated for their power and elegance. They typically exhibit a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet of red and dark fruits, such as cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, often accompanied by floral notes and earthy undertones. On the palate, these wines are full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.

The aging potential of Bonnes-Mares wines is significant, with many examples improving over decades. As they mature, the wines develop additional layers of complexity, with tertiary aromas of truffle, leather, and spice emerging.

Related pages

• Burgundy wine
• Côte de Nuits
• Pinot noir
• Chambolle-Musigny
• Morey-Saint-Denis