Chambertin
The top grand cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, and home to holdings by such prestigious names as Domaine Armand Rousseau, Louis Latour and Bouchard Père et Fils, Le Chambertin produces outstanding wines exclusively from Pinot Noir, with many being award-winning classics.
Its history can be traced to Napoleon, who regularly drank Chambertin wine daily. It was said that the Emperor was enchanted by its rich red hues alongside its deep, aromas of spices and dark claret-colored fruits. He had found his regal wine counterpart. When Chambertin was first planted, it was a much larger expanse of land and held an exceptional level of societal influence. In 1837, for example, the parish council in the area decided that its name should be added to its village, thus creating Gervey-Chambertin. More villages followed, including Charmes-Chambertin, and all were awarded grand cru status nearly 100 years later, joining Gervey-Chambertinin this honored category.
As for its soil, Chambertin is predominantly rocky with a chalky topsoil, allowing for good drainage. Climate is continental, with the exception of periodic hail storms typical to Burgundy and seasonal frost as winter transitions to spring. While the geography of Le Chambertin has evolved, its prestige as one of Côte d’Or’s most prized gifts from nature. Top Producers: Rossignol Trapet, Olivier Bernstein