Gevrey-Chambertin Wine Region

Gevrey-Chambertin is one of the eight major wine villages of Côte de Nuits of Burgundy, France which lies along the Côte-d'Or escarpment. The region is widely famous for its Pinot Noir, which was also admired by Emperor Napolean. Folklore suggests that "the Champs de Bertin", the famous grand crus by Bertin who was the first vinter to produce wine in this region, evolved to “Chambertin”. In the 1880s, the mayor of Gevrey included the most famous vineyard- Chambertin in his Village’s name. Not only is the region known for its high-quality wines, but also for some of the best terroir in France.

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Where is the Gevrey-Chambertin wine region?

The Gevrey-Chambertin wine region is located in the township of Gevrey-Chambertin, a part of the Dijon, in the east center of France. The region is in the far northeast of Burgundy, about 15 km south of Dijon and the Saône valley plain to its east. Gevrey-Chambertin is a touristy wine-growing town on the Route des Grands Crus, in the Côte de Nuits, which is one of the best areas in Burgundy. The region is home to 9 out of 33 Burgundy Grand crus AOC. 

History of Gevrey-Chambertin wine region

The name “Chambertin” evolved from "the Champs de Bertin", one of the famous and first vineyards of the region producing exceptional wines. It is believed that Emperor Napoleon was fascinated with the fine wines of Chambertin and during his reign, Chambertin became a name among wine connoisseurs. Later in the 1880s, the Mayor of Gevrey appended the name of Gevrey village as Gevrey-Chambertin. 

The terroir and geography of the Gevrey-Chambertin wine region

Gevrey-Chambertin wine appellation today boasts nine climates classified as Grand Crus, the best known is the Chambertin which comprises 33.5 acres. Gevrey-Chambertin has many types of soil but most notably it has rocky limestone and pebbles which gives it a particular smell and taste. 

The Grand Crus occupy the upper portion at an elevation between 280 and 380 meters from sea level that comprises shallow brown limestone soils. Down the slope, the soil is mostly brown calcic, or limey soils. The rocky mixtures of limestone give elegance and delicacy to the wine while the clayey marls complete the body and firmness.

Popular grape varieties from the Gevrey-Chambertin wine region

All of the Gevrey-Chambertin wines are red, predominantly from Pinot Noir. Gevrey-Chambertin appellation regulations accept a small portion of the white Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris if these are grown in the vineyard.

Pinot Noirs of the Gevrey-Chambertin are considered the most deeply colored red wine. The wines are full-bodied with a robust structure. With age, the wine gives off harmonious aromas of strawberry, mulberry, and rose.

Food to pair with Gevrey-Chambertin wine 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slowly-cooked beef stew traditionally made in the French cuisine using wines of burgundy. The dish is typically made with beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is browned in butter or oil before being added to the other ingredients. Bœuf bourguignon is often served with boiled potatoes or pasta

The dish is not a regional recipe from burgundy rather use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867, often made with leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian specialty at the beginning of the 20th century. 

The flavors of the dish are rich, complex, and hearty thanks to the long cooking time. The bold Gevrey-Chambertin wine adds depth to the sauce.

Coq au vin

Coq au vin is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries and it is still enjoyed today by many people. The tender and juicy meat with rich and luscious sauce satisfied any palate for any time of the year. It is made of chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and shallots in a red wine sauce. It is traditionally served with boiled potatoes on the side.

Coq au vin can be prepared using different ingredients such as vegetables and meat, which makes it versatile enough to be enjoyed by a wide range of wines especially Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin. 

Rack of lamb

Either roasted or grilled, the rich flavor and gamey taste of the lamb perfectly complement the red wine- the bold the better. Grilled lamb either kebab or steak, the charred and smoky flavor balances out with Pinot noir enhancing the fruity flavor and peppery notes. Roasted lamb is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide range of red wines. The medium rare roasted lamb goes very well with bold Gevrey-Chambertin wines.

Places to visit in the Gevrey-Chambertin wine region

Réserve Naturelle de la Combe Lavaux

Réserve Naturelle de la Combe Lavaux lies on the edge of the Saône valley plain. The reserve offers a spectacular landscape with mountains and Mediterranean backdrops. The reserve was declared in 2004 that covers 500 hectares in the memory of Jean Roland, the naturalist from Dijon, and a directory of French nature reserves from 1992 to 2004. The reserve is home to more than 500 species of flowers and is one of the major flora areas of burgundy. 

Château de Gevrey-Chambertin

The Château de Gevrey-Chambertin is a French castle located in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin in the Côte d'Or department of France. It was built in the 9th century and considerably revised in the 13th century by Yves de Poisey and Yves de Chazan, both abbots of Cluny. The southwest entrance had a stone bridge with a drawbridge on either side of it.

The castle is designated as a historic monument in 1993. The Masson family has owned and operated their vineyard since 1858 and it still thrives. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tours in the Château. Just sitting by the building is fascinating and alluring, as if within an impressionist painting.

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Frequently asked questions about Gevrey-Chambertin