Domaine Parent

POMMARD – One of the most respected and well-known winemakers in all of Burgundy, the Domaine Parent moved from Volnay to Pommard in 1803. One of their early customers was Thomas Jefferson, who brought these wines back to America to share with our forefathers. Anne’s ancestor, Etienne Parent, was Jefferson’s personal advisor, friend, and confidant. In fact, Jefferson took cuttings from the Domaine Parent vines to plant at Monticello. Unfortunately, the climate in Virginia is not conducive to growing Pinot Noir; so the vines did not survive. Still, this is a unique tie to American history.

Anne is a lawyer by training. Along with her sister, Catherine, she took over the estate in 1998, becoming the 12th generation of winemakers in this family. I started my business in 1999 and began importing wine from the Domaine Parent in 2000.

Like many of the women who became winemakers at that time, Anne was not trained as one; so she created the Women’s Winemaker Association in Burgundy. The women banded together and assisted each other with the details of winemaking. It was a great move by Anne as it immensely helped many women. In fact, women in other wine-producing regions in France have copied the model.

There are 70 winemakers in Pommard and this family is one of the very best. They have some of the choicest parcels of wines in Pommard as well as Grand Cru vines in Corton. With Anne’s considerable energy and drive to succeed, she converted the estate not only to organic agriculture, but also to biodynamic agriculture. Their wines simply get better and better each year. Anne says that there are no bad vintages in Burgundy, just bad winemakers. Every year, she makes truly expressive and balanced wines in the traditional Burgundian style.

Anne and her sister are currently transferring the estate to Catherine’s daughter, Constance. She has worked in the wine industry for years and is proud to become the 13th generation of winemaker for the Domaine Parent.  Anne has even been honored to receive the French Legion of Honor medal – France’s highest civilian award!