Chambertin Wine Region

Located in the Burgundy wine region, France, Chambertin is a Grand Cru appellation for red wines. This wine appellation is part of the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin, and it is the centre of nine vineyards, all having “Chambertin” as part of their name. Chambertin is famous for its exotic wine aromas and stunning landscapes.

Chambertin, a Grand Cru vineyard classified under the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), stands as a beacon in the illustrious Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, France. This coveted terrain exclusively nurtures Pinot Noir, resulting in some of the world's most revered red wines. With a legacy that traces back centuries, Chambertin wines are prized for their powerful yet elegant palate, offering notes of ripe red and black fruits, layered with nuances of earth, spice, and forest floor. The age-worthy Chambertin wine, often viewed as the epitome of Pinot Noir, bears testimony to the remarkable terroir and meticulous viticulture practices of this prestigious French region

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Where is Chambertin wine appellation located?

Chambertin AOC is situated to the west of the Route des Grands Crus. This wine appellation neighbours on Chambertin-Clos de Bèze in the north, Griotte-Chambertin and Charmes-Chambertin in the east, and the Latricières-Chambertin in the south. The other eight vineyards are separate appellations, but they produce red wines. Dijon, a salient wine city, is as near as 20 kilometres away. Therefore, you can also discover and visit the closest wineries to Dijon.

History of Chambertin wine appellation

The history of Chambertin starts with the Clos de Bèze, which first appeared in the history of the Côte de Nuits in the year 640 AD. This place was the property of monks but later, in 1219, it passed to the canons of Langres.

Legend says that it was not until the 12th century that Chambertin itself was planted by a Monsieur Bertin, who thought that he could also produce good wines from the same grape varieties as the Clos de Bèze. His vineyard was called Champ de Bertin and later abbreviated to Chambertin.

The name Chambertin has been used since the 13th century, and once shared imperial approval with Clos de Bèze – Napoleon would drink nothing else. Its borders have not changed since the Middle Ages. Finally, in 1937, the AOC of Chambertin was created.

Did you know?

Chambertin is mentioned in the 1951 film ''Love Nest'' which co-starred Marilyn Monroe in a supporting lead. The scene is shot in a nightclub restaurant, where “elderly Casanova” Charley Patterson is once again trying to con money from one of the many widowed dowagers he regularly benches. Once they set their orders, the server asks the couple if they would care for champagne with their dish, and Charley says that “Champagne is for peasants”. The waiter then suggests Chambertin and adds that Charley has “excellent taste.”

Unique Terroir of Chambertin wine appellation

Chambertin's soils are full of stones with a light layer of pebble-strewn, chalky topsoil over a profound rocky base. The ground is also well-drained, which helps vines to access water easily. The percentage of clay decreases higher up the site, providing more dehydrated, looser limestone.
The climate is continental, which means that summers are warm, dry, and cool, while winters are crisp. The common temperature changes help the vines to keep a balance of natural sugars and acidity. The downside is that spring frosts are a particular threat; entire vintages have been lost to frost injury, and more recently Burgundy's infamous storms.

Chambertin Wine Characteristics

The primary grape variety for producing Chambertin wine is Pinot noir. The AOC regulations also allow up to 15 percent of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris as accessory grapes, but this is practically never used for any Burgundy Grand Cru vineyard. The allowed base yield is 35 hectoliters per hectare, a minimum planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare is required as well as a minimum grape maturity of 11.5 percent potential alcohol.

Chambertin wine has an aroma of strawberry, violet, mulberry, rose, and mignonette. In general, Chambertin Pinot Noir wines have a bright ruby colour that turns deep carmine with age. A wine tasting of these full-bodied wines will show a firm structure, velvety tannin, and a meaty texture.

Food to pair with Chambertin Wine

1.Coq Au Vin

This classic peasant stew hails from the French region of Burgundy. This dish is the perfect showcase for the harmonious coexistence of its two main ingredients – coq and vin, or wine, in this case, a bold, rustic red wine.

The rooster is cut into sections and combined with rooster's blood, onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, parsley, mushrooms, salt, pepper, and a hefty dose of red wine. The ingredients are then slowly cooked over low heat until the meat becomes tender.

One of the first documented recipes for coq au vin dates back to 1913 when the French natural philosopher and zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson stumbled upon the dish in the Chaîne des Puys region. Julia Child later popularized the recipe among English-speaking audiences on her TV program The French Chef.

2. Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a rich and complex stew originating from the region of Burgundy in France. The star of the dish is a robust red Burgundy wine, which is used to soften and tenderize tough cuts of Charolais beef; along with savoury additions such as onions, garlic, thyme, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and sometimes a few strips of dried orange peel to make the flavours even richer.

The ingredients are simmered for a long time until the meat is completely soft and succulent, and all the juices have blended into a hearty, dark sauce. Some say that the dish tastes even better after it has been refrigerated for 24 hours and then reheated.

Beef bourguignon dates back to the Middle Ages, when the slow-cooking process was used to soften tougher cuts of meat using only the readily available ingredients. Pairing a serving of beef bourguignon with a full-bodied red Burgundy makes for a true gourmet delight.

Places to visit near Chambertin wine region

L'Imaginarium of Nuits Saint Georges

The Imaginarium is a museum, located in Nuits Saint Georges, that exhibits pieces of the wine production process. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, this museum will have you thrilled with the range of inventory on display.

Château de Gevrey-Chambertin

The Gevrey-Chambertin castle was built in the 9th century and considerably revised in the 13th century. Yves de Poisey and Yves de Chazan, the archimandrites of Cluny, directed these alterations. A stone bridge with a drawbridge on either side existed at the southwest entrance. The castle has been designated as a historic monument for its architectural significance in 1993. This château is an impressive sight with its architecture and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chambertin