Welcome to Gevrey-Chambertin, one of the most renowned appellations in Burgundy and the Côte de Nuits! Here, each plot tells a story and each bottle is an invitation to travel.
Dive in with us and let's explore together the history, the terroirs, and the possible culinary pairings with the cuvées of this brilliant AOC.From the Gevrey-Chambertin village to the Grand Cru present in the village, including the numerous Premier Crus of the appellation, you will not be disappointed!
Ready to discover this viticultural gem? Let's go!
Summary
History of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation
The cultivation of the vine in Burgundy dates back to the Roman presence, from the 1st century BC.-C.. Indeed, it was the Romans who introduced viticulture to the region, taking advantage of the well-exposed slopes and limestone soils favorable to the vine. Although few written records from this period remain about viticulture in Gevrey, it is highly probable that local grape varieties were selected and cultivated there since antiquity.
From the 6th century onwards, the monks of the abbeys of Burgundy, notably those of Cluny and Cîteaux, played a crucial role in the development of viticulture. Even at that time, they identified and mapped the best terroirs. They also improved cultivation and winemaking techniques, contributing to the growing reputation of Burgundy wines.Gevrey then becomes a village recognized for the quality of its vineyards and wines.
From the 7th century, the wines of Gevrey begin to gain royal fame. The "Chambertin" climate, in particular, is known for producing exceptional wines. It is even said that Napoleon Bonaparte was a great enthusiast and requested to be served exclusively with Chambertin wines during his military campaigns !
In 1847, to strengthen the reputation of this exceptional terroir, the village of Gevrey adds the name of its most prestigious climate to its own name, thus becoming Gevrey-Chambertin.
In 1855, Dr. Jules Lavalle published a classification of Burgundy wines in his work History and Statistics of the Vine and Great Wines of the Côte-d'Or. The most prestigious climates of Gevrey, including Chambertin and Clos de Bèze, were then classified as "first class" wines, equivalent to today's Grands Crus.
The 19th century was nevertheless very tumultuous for viticulture, with serious crises such as those of powdery mildew and downy mildew (fungi attacking the berries) and especially that of phylloxera, a devastating aphid that ravaged the entire European vineyard at the end of the century.
Fortunately, the 20th century will be much more positive with, notably, the creation of the Gevrey-Chambertin Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in 1936. This step is a key moment for the village as it marks the definition of strict production criteria, including geographical delimitation, authorized grape varieties, yields, and cultivation practices.
Today, the Gevrey-Chambertin AOC covers nearly 410 hectares entirely dedicated to the Pinot Noir grape variety.26 climates classified as « Premier Cru » are also distinguished here, and the commune has 9 Grands Crus !
Map of the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy
Soils and climate of the AOC Gevrey-Chambertin
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Côte de Nuits and neighboring the AOCs Morey Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, and a little further south, Vosne-Romanée, the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation extends over the communes of Gevrey-Chambertin and Brochon. The vineyards here benefit from an altitude ranging between 250m and 380m as well as ideal exposures, from southeast to east, thus maximizing their sunlight.
The soils play a fundamental role here in the quality and typicity of the wines. Thus, the terroirs of Gevrey-Chambertin rest on a complex and varied geology, characteristic of the Côte de Nuits.
The Grands Crus are, for example, mainly located in the middle of the slopes. This area offers soils composed of marl limestone and superb exposures, allowing the production of powerful, structured wines with great longevity.
The Premiers Crus are often located on the periphery of the Grands Crus and have more varied soils, mixing limestone and clay. These allow the production of wines balanced between finesse and structure, depending on the location of the plot and the vinification done.
Finally, at the bottom of the slope, on soils richer in clay and silt, are planted the vines that will allow the production of cuvées in the "village" appellation. These wines are often accessible from their youth, offering fruity aromas and a nice suppleness…but beware of shortcuts !
Regarding the climate, the perfect balance between a temperate regime and continental influences favors the vegetative cycle of Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of the AOC. The hot summers and cool autumns here allow for slow and even ripening, ensuring grapes of optimal quality.
The wines of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation
As you may have understood, the AOC Gevrey-Chambertin is exclusively dedicated to red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape, a symbol of Burgundian elegance. The AOP's cuvées often captivate the taster with their aromatic richness and unique structure, which give them an exceptional place among the very great wines.
When young, Gevrey-Chambertin wines display a bright ruby color that evolves over time into deep shades of carmine or black cherry. On the nose, the initial aromas of red and black fruits like strawberry or blackberry intertwine with floral notes of violet, mignonette, and rose.With age, the bouquet gains complexity, revealing scents of leather, licorice, undergrowth, and slightly gamey accents.
On the palate, these red wines are distinguished by their power and richness. The tannins, of great finesse, offer a velvety texture and a solid structure, without any harshness. Both full-bodied and balanced, they express themselves with generosity and depth, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Pleasant to enjoy young for their fruitiness, they are also excellent aging wines, and thus reveal their full potential after a few years in the cellar.
The Gevrey-Chambertin: a wine made 100% from Pinot Noir
The Premiers and Grands Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin
As explained above, 26 climates are classified as " Premier Cru " within the AOC Gevrey-Chambertin. Among these elite terroirs, there are very famous names such as Clos du Chapitre, Clos Saint-Jacques, Aux Combottes, Combe aux Moines, La Perrière, and Les Cazetiers.
Nevertheless, what primarily contributes to the greatness of the commune are undoubtedly its 9 Grands Crus, the record in the region! Here are a few more details about these exceptional terroirs.
-Chambertin: the soils here are clay-limestone and offer good drainage. Located mid-slope, the exposure is perfect. Considered the "wine of kings," it is powerful and complex, with aromas of black fruits, licorice, and undergrowth. Its palate is dense and balanced, ideal for long aging.
-Charmes-Chambertin: the soil here is deep and clay-limestone. This Grand Cru offers round and accessible wines, with aromas of red fruits and a velvety texture.
-Mazoyères-Chambertin: located below Charmes, with similar but slightly more clayey soils. The wines are often melting and charming, with great depth.
-Chambertin Clos de Bèze: the terroir here is limestone and stony, well-drained, often a bit cooler than Chambertin. Elegant, this wine develops floral and spicy notes, with a silky structure and remarkable length.
-Mazis-Chambertin: the stony and limestone soils are located at the top of the slope. Mazis-Chambertin produces racy, structured wines, combining power and finesse. Notes of black fruits and undergrowth are often present during tasting.
-Griotte-Chambertin: this Grand Cru has clay-rich soils, bringing roundness to the wines.The cuvées produced here are often delicate, charming, with a beautiful suppleness and aromas of cherry and spices.
-Ruchottes-Chambertin: this Grand Cru has shallow, rocky, and limestone soils at altitude. It is known for producing wines of great finesse, fine and airy, with a beautiful tension and subtle aromas of red fruits.
-Latricières-Chambertin: the terroir here is cold and stony, and the whole is south-east facing. Mineral and sometimes austere in their youth, the cuvées gain elegance and finesse over time.
-Chapelle-Chambertin: a Grand Cru located at the bottom of the slope on rich and more clayey soils.These allow the production of elegant, smooth wines, with notes of ripe red fruits and a beautiful suppleness.
All these Grands Crus produce wines with great aging potential, representing the very excellence of Pinot Noir.
Map of the Gevrey-Chambertin climates
What to eat with Gevrey-Chambertin wines?
Gevrey-Chambertin pairs brilliantly with dishes of character.Its wine aromas enhance gamey meats, whether it be feathered or furred game, while its rich and velvety structure makes it the ideal companion for a grilled rib of beef, braised lamb, or slow-cooked meats in savory brown sauces.
And why not dare even bolder pairings? A Gevrey with its lightness and finesse will indeed surprise you alongside a fillet of pike-perch or tuna, enhanced by a red wine sauce. An unexpected but memorable combination, to try without hesitation.
On the cheese side, it excels with local treasures like Époisses or L’ami du Chambertin, a creamy cow's milk cheese, emblematic of the region.An original and very successful tasting experience !
To fully appreciate its richness, Gevrey-Chambertin wines are ideally tasted at a temperature between 14 to 16 °C.
Pike-perch fillet and Gevrey-Chambertin: a bold and gourmet pairing
The best wines of the AOC Gevrey-Chambertin
Many world-renowned estates are present in Gevrey, such as the famous Armand Rousseau, Leroy, Dugat-Py, and Dujac estates.
Nevertheless,
If you love wines with finesse and complexity, go for their range !
You are now a true connoisseur of Gevrey-Chambertin! All that's left is to move from theory to practice. Visit
