The commune of Pommard produces only red wines, and has no Grands Crus. Les Rugiens consists of two parcels, Les Rugiens Haut and Les Rugiens Bas, based on their respectively higher and lower positions at the summit of the Pommard slope. Rugiens comes from the French word rouge, referring to the reddish soil in the vineyard, a result of high iron content. In winemaking, the Pinot Noir grapes are fermented in tanks for up to 4 weeks, and then the wine is matured in oak barrels for 12 to 15 months before bottling.
A vigorous, masculine wine typical of Pommard, Les Rugiens has distinct earthy notes and a powerful structure. It should be cellared for 5 years before opening and will develop favorably in the bottle for 20 to 25 years.