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Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru

Bonnes-Mares demonstrates the ability of the Côte De Nuits to blend the two distinct temperaments of Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny into a single personality. The Bonnes-Mares vineyard has been known by this name since the late Middle-Ages, although the etymology still remains uncertain. The origin might be the verb "Marer" meaning “to cultivate carefully”, although many like to think the name alludes to ancient mother-goddesses. This explanation, however, is certainly less probable. Its grand cru status was recognised on 8th December, 1936.

Bonnes-Mares lies just south of the Clos De Tart, the neighbouring grand cru, forming a rectangle between the hollowed hillsides of Morey and Chambolle. More of it lies in the territory of Chambolle-Musigny than in that of Morey-Saint-Denis. Its exposition is easterly and its altitude averages between 250 and 280 metres.

The sub-soil consists of limestone pavement and white marl and underlies clay-flint soils some 40cm in depth on a gently sloping site. The soil is quite light and gravelly, and is brown or reddish in colour. Its origins date back to the Jurassic period, some 150 million years ago.

Bonnes-Mares is rich and fleshy with mouth-filling body. It has a clearly defined structure, full-bodied rather than flowery and at times a little wild. It will stand ageing for as long as 30-50 years. Wine lovers argue over the nuances said to distinguish the Morey side of the appellation from the Chambolle end. The truth is that the roundness of the one and the elegance of the other are submerged in the delicately tannic power common to both.

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