Charmes-Chambertin

A Grand Cru appellation from the Côte de Nuits. This area is renowned for its Pinot Noirs, and many believe this grape thrives nowhere better. Charmes-Chambertin therefore produces exclusively red wines made from Pinot Noir. The appellation is located in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin. The name Chambertin has been in use since the 13th century and once shared imperial approval with Clos de Bèze. Napoleon would drink nothing else.

A Charmes-Chambertin shows vibrant colors, ranging from deep red to black cherry. On the nose, aromas of strawberry, blackcurrant, licorice, and spices. On the palate, the wine is always full, lush, and elegant. Sometimes complex, but always intense and voluptuous. The wines—befitting a Grand Cru—are very well suited for long aging. A 10-year-old bottle is still considered to be in its ‘youth.’

The soil on the slopes consists of hard rock. At the top, brown soils can be found, partly alluvial, partly scree. Lower down are clay-limestone soils. At the upper slopes, Bathonian rocks are visible, while further down the soil is composed of marl and limestone. On the surface, fossils can be found, reminders of the sea that covered this area around 150 million years ago. The Grand Cru status was officially granted on July 31, 1937. The appellation is small, covering less than 30 hectares in total.