Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru AOC 2022

Wine Description for Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru AOC 2022 by Bruno Clair

Character

Bruno Clair’s Bonnes-Mares embodies the aristocratic power of this exceptional Grand Cru vineyard site. The estate owns just under 1.8 hectares in this prestigious terroir between Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis – one of Burgundy’s most complex vineyard sites. The 2022 vintage, marked by heat and drought, produced concentrated yet elegant wines. Clair’s style is characterised by restraint and precision, allowing terroir to take precedence over oenological intervention.

Terroir & Origin

Bonnes-Mares spans 15 hectares and unites two geologically distinct areas: the powerful, iron-rich soils on the Morey side and the finer limestone soils towards Chambolle. Bruno Clair’s parcels lie predominantly in the Chambolle section, which gives the wine its characteristic balance between structure and finesse. The easterly exposure and hillside location favour slow, even ripening – even in warm vintages like 2022, the terroir preserves freshness and minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir demonstrates its full range in Bonnes-Mares: from dark fruits through earthy notes to floral accents. Bruno Clair works with old vines, some over 50 years old, which naturally produce low yields. Vinification follows traditional Burgundian principles: natural yeasts, moderate extraction, ageing in French oak barrels with an appropriate proportion of new wood. The measured alcohol content of 13% reflects Clair’s philosophy of prioritising elegance over opulence – an approach that gains particular significance in the warmer 2022 vintage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine of this calibre demands thoughtful companions: game dishes such as venison loin or pheasant, duck with cherries, Coq au Vin or aged Époisses. Burgundian cuisine with its braised dishes and mushroom ragouts forms the natural bridge. Lamb rack with herb crust also harmonises beautifully with the depth and complexity of this Grand Cru.