Gevrey-Chambertin AOP
Gevrey-Chambertin, a mythical wine from the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy
It is in the north of the Côte de Nuits, in Burgundy, that one of the most prestigious vineyards in France flourishes: Gevrey-Chambertin. Located between Dijon and Nuits-Saint-Georges, this village in the Côte d'Or is renowned throughout the world for its rich and complex red wines. Nine of the 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy are produced here, so the region is exceptional. Although not always accessible, Gevrey-Chambertin wines are also available in Village and Premier Cru appellations. Perfect to make a remarkable entry on the Champs-Elysées of Burgundy.
General presentation of Gevrey-Chambertin
The AOC Gevrey-Chambertin is produced in the commune that gives it its name and in part of Brochon. On the Route des Grands Crus, the vineyard is bordered by the appellation areas of Fixin to the north and Morey-Saint-Denis to the south. The area of production counts approximately 400 hectares of vines, distributed on both sides of the Côte de Lavaux.
The Gevrey-Chambertin vineyard is a hierarchy of Burgundy wines. The Gevrey-Chambertin AOC Village cover the major part of the surface, in the centre of the appellation and below the Crus. The Premiers Crus are spread over the upper part of the Côte. Some 26 Climats of Gevrey-Chambertin are classified as Premier Cru. These include La Bossière, La Romanée, Clos Saint-Jacques, Les Goulots, La Perrière, Issarts, Combe aux Moines, Les Corbeaux, Les Cazetiers, Champeaux, Petite Chapelle...
Finally, to the south of the combe are the famous Grands Crus. Alongside the famous chambertin and chambertin-clos-de-bèze, we find the following appellations: chapelle-chambertin, charmes-chambertin, mazis-chambertin, griotte-chambertin, latricières-chambertin, ruchottes-chambertin and mazoyères-chambertin.
In Gevrey-Chambertin, as in the other vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, it is the pinot noir that reigns supreme. This delicate grape variety produces rich, powerful, colourful red wines that keep well.
Characteristics of Gevrey-Chambertin
AOC Gevrey-Chambertin wines, whether they are classified as Village or Premier Cru, are distinguished by their very colourful robe. When the wine is young, it evokes the red of the ruby. With time, it darkens to become dark carmine, sometimes almost black.
The diversity of the soils, the numerous Climats and the many estates that make up the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation inevitably give rise to a wide variety of wines. Generally, in their first years, the reds offer a fruity, floral and relatively supple style. Over the years, this initial bouquet of strawberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, reseda and rose evolves into leather, fur, liquorice, sometimes earth and humus.
Gevrey-Chambertin is a wine for laying down, especially the Premier Cru: 10-20 years, or even more for the best vintages.
How to taste a Gevrey-Chambertin
With a powerful and complex red wine like a Gevrey-Chambertin AOC, favour elaborate and richly flavoured dishes. Red meat is the perfect partner for this Burgundy wine, as is game. Typical regional dishes are also recommended: boeuf bourguignon, fondue bourguignonne, etc.
It is also a wine that goes perfectly with cheese, especially products with character such as Epoisses or Cîteaux.
It is advisable to serve a Gevrey-Chambertin at around 15°-16°.