Chambolle-Musigny AOP
Chambolle-Musigny, the power and finesse of a great Burgundy wine
Set off on the Champs-Elysées of Burgundy. In the heart of the famous Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny is one of those villages that invariably rhyme with exceptional crus. In fact, two Grands Crus de Bourgogne appellations are produced in the commune: Musigny and Bonnes-Mares. The AOC Chambolle-Musigny is a Village appellation. More than 20 Climats are also classified as Premier Cru: a way to discover this elegant and powerful wine in a more affordable way.
General presentation of the appellation
The Chambolle-Musigny vineyard is located in the Côte d'Or, between Morey-Saint-Denis to the north and Vougeot to the south, a stone's throw from Dijon and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The 170 hectares or so of vineyards surrounding the village run along the Côte de Nuits, the domain of pinot noir.
The village is an important stage on the Route des Grands Crus. Two exceptional wines are produced here: the Bonnes-Mares and Musigny appellations. Like the Côte de Beaune, the Côte de Nuits is indeed the origin of most of the 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy.
The AOC Chambolle-Musigny is a Village appellation. It can be completed by the name of the Climat that gave birth to it: Les Cras, Les Echezeaux, Les Argillières... Within this appellation, 24 Climats are classified Premiers Crus. Here too, the name of the parcel can complete the appellation: Les Charmes, Aux Beaux Bruns, La Combe d'Orveau or Les Amoureuses, the latter being particularly appreciated by wine lovers.
If the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus are the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, the Village appellations also seduce with their assertive character and elegance. Pinot Noir expresses all the richness of this exceptional terroir and gives birth to rich, elegant and powerful red wines.
Characteristics of Chambolle-Musigny
The colour of Chambolle-Musigny Village or Premier Cru is distinguished by its intense ruby colour with bright reflections. With time, the pinot noir gives the wine a lighter colour, tending towards brick red.
The aromas are always intense, rich and complex. In its youth, the wine offers flavours of small red fruits: strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant... Violet is also called for. When it is older, its aromatic palette evolves towards spices, ripe and candied fruits, truffles, undergrowth, grilled and smoked notes.
Power and finesse often characterise the Chambolle-Musigny appellation, a wine that is often described as "feminine". In this respect, it is comparable to Margaux, the most "feminine" of the Bordeaux wines.
Chambolle-Musigny is also a long-keeping wine. It can be aged for 10 to 20 years, or even longer for certain vintages.
How to taste a Chambolle-Musigny
It is advisable to serve a Chambolle-Musigny wine at a temperature of 16°-17°.
It goes perfectly with sophisticated game or red meat dishes: Bresse capon, 7 o'clock lamb, coq au vin... Chambolle-Musigny also goes well with regional dishes, such as beef bourguignon. Pinot Noir is also renowned for its ability to accompany sweet and savoury dishes: let yourself be surprised by this very tasty food-wine combination. As for cheese, these red wines underline the strong character of Epoisses as well as the sweet flavours of Brillat-Savarin, Brie de Meaux or Chaource.