Chambertin-Clos de Bèze

A celebrated Grand Cru vineyard in the Côtes de Nuits, it covers just over 14.5 hectares in the commune of Gevrey Chambertin to the north of Côte d’Or.   The vineyards face east between 240 and 280 meters altitude.   Like much of Burgundy, the Clos de Bèze was a monastic property, first mentioned in 640 A.D.   It remained in the hands of the church until the French Revolution in 1789.  In recognition of their similarity, the seven climats that border Chambertin and the Clos de Bèze are allowed to attach the name Chambertin to their own names (except in the case of Clos de Bèze where the name Chambertin comes first)

This sloping vineyard lies on a bedrock of limestone.  On the upper reaches of the hill are brown alluvial and partially scree soils. Lower down are clay limestone soils in varying proportions.  Numerous marine fossils are to be found on the surface, recalling the sea that covered this area some 150 million years ago. It produces red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. 

The wines are known for their power, opulence and velvety texture.  Often brightly coloured, dark ruby in their youth, their aromas have notes of black cherry, strawberry and plums with under notes of violet, moss and licorice.   These rich wines stand up well to roasted meats and intense sauces and can last for 10-20 years at least.  It was said that Napoleon would drink nothing else.