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Gevrey-Chambertin is a wine appellation from the commune of the same name. Situated in Burgundy, the commune is in the heart of a region renowned for, among other things, its two main grape varieties: Pinot Noir (red wines) and Chardonnay (white wines), and its many prestigious estates. The region is world-renowned, with no fewer than 84 appellations in all. Gevrey-Chambertin, on the other hand, benefits from the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) label and produces red wines.
Gevrey-Chambertin, Napoleon’s favourite
The origins of these wines date back to around 630, when Duke Amalgaire bequeathed certain lands, initially belonging to the commune of Gevrey, to the monks of Bèze. Strengthened by this acquisition, the monks then planted vines. Neighboring the Clos de Bèze vines, a very fine gentleman -M.Bertin- in turn planted vines on his estate. These vines were then located on the Bertin field, which later gave rise to the name “Chambertin”. It was the combination of these two vineyards that gave the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation its current name.
More than 800 years later, in 1395, Philippe le Hardi wanted to improve the quality of his wines and imposed an all-Pinot Noir grape variety. But Chambertin did not gain its letters of nobility until the reign of Napoleon, who made it his favorite wine. He liked to have a half-bottle of 5 to 6 year-old Chambertin served with every meal!
In the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of diseases and insects affected vines, jeopardizing production, including downy mildew and phylloxera, which considerably endangered vines at the end of the 19th century. However, the vineyard was saved thanks to the hard work of the winegrowers, who led to the creation of the Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée, which Gevrey-Chambertin won in 1936.
In the heart of Burgundy, the Gevrey-Chambertin terroir covers several hundred hectares!
The appellation lies to the north of the Côte de Nuits, a few kilometers south of Dijon. The estate covers 411 hectares, 82 of which are Premier Cru. In addition, there are 88 hectares of Grand Cru. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone and more or less ferruginous, consisting of multiple successive layers of limestone and marl. Situated between 280 and 380 meters above sea level, the vineyard lies on an east-southeast facing slope.
Gevrey-Chambertin is a wine of pronounced character
Pinot Noir is the only grape variety used to vinify Gevrey-Chambertin, so wines from this appellation are exclusively single-varietal. Pinot Noir gives the wine a particularly dark color. On the nose, Gevrey-Chambertin wines immediately reveal fruity aromas of cherry and morello cherry, with a hint of pepper and cigar. The second nose reveals delicate notes of undergrowth and game. Gevrey-Chambertin offers exceptional power. This is a full-bodied, powerful wine that nevertheless expresses fine acidity and a refined tannic structure.
Gevrey-Chambertin, a partner for powerful dishes.
The complexity of Gevrey-Chambertin makes it a particularly consistent and powerful wine. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes; for your tasting, choose red meats, game or strong cheeses that will match the power of this wine. Gevrey-Chambertin is the perfect accompaniment to prime rib, venison jig or wild boar stew, for example. On the fish side, it goes well with pike-perch in red wine. Its woody aspect makes it a logical partner for mushrooms such as morels and oronges. It is best enjoyed at a temperature of 17°C. Finally, these are wines with good ageing potential, to be enjoyed after at least 10 years.
The best vintages of Gevrey-Chambertin!
If you’re buying Gevrey-Chambertin, the best vintages are 1947 and 1978. The years 1928, 1929, 1937, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1971 and 2005 are also recognized as great vintages for these wines.
Gevrey-Chambertin estates with a passion for terroir and quality
Domaine Gallois
Located on the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Gallois is a proud family business whose history dates back to 1901. Here, in the heart of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, vines are cultivated with passion and attention to detail. Located between Dijon and Beaune, the wines are born amidst the climats of Burgundy and constitute some of the most prestigious crus of the region, which was classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015.
Two watchwords animate this domain: respect and modesty. Respect, first and foremost, for these magnificent terroirs. Here, we’re careful not to overuse pesticides or weedkillers, and instead practice integrated pest management and ploughing to be just as effective.
Modesty, then, as the domaine keeps in mind that the quality of a wine is above all subject to the terroir that gives it life, the age of the vines and the weather. A winemaker can do his best, but if he doesn’t take into account his environment and respect his terroir, he won’t be able to produce great wines. Domaine Gallois understands this and works in symbiosis with its terroir to offer the best possible quality.
Domaine Duroché
Domaine Duroché, in the heart of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, is a family heritage handed down through 5 generations. 1933 is the Domaine’s first vintage.
Thanks to the hard work and determination of several generations of Gevrey Chambertin winemakers, the estate now covers 8.5 hectares and produces Bourgogne, Gevrey-Chambertin, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru and Grands Crus.
The emphasis is on sustainable viticulture and impeccable plot management to ensure a healthy harvest. The soil is ploughed from March to July to combat water stress, and the rest of the year the vines are left to grow naturally.
