Chambertin - Clos de Bèze - 2004 - Bouchard Father and Son

The most prestigious Grand Cru of the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin is also one of the oldest wine-growing clos in the French vineyard. It was in the 7th century that the monks of the Abbey of Bèze created the famous Clos, in the best location of their vast estate. In 1395, Philip the Bold decided to further improve the quality of the wines and banned the cultivation of Gamay in favor of Pinot Noir on his lands. Later, the Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze would share the imperial crown with the Chambertin: during his reign, Napoleon would practically never want to drink other wines.

GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Noir

EXHIBITION: East

APPELLATION SOIL: Marly clay-limestone and disintegrated rocks with traces of potassium, phosphorus and iron

TOTAL AREA OF THE APPELLATION IN PRODUCTION: 14.4 hectares

HARVESTING: manual, in small 13 kg crates. Careful manual sorting of each bunch.

VINIFICATION: After total or partial destemming depending on the vintage, fermentation in small containers and gentle pressing ensure optimal vinification. Depending on the profile of the vintage, vatting can last from 18 to 21 days.

AGING: 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with 45 to 60% new barrels.

AGING: The Bastions cellars of the former Château de Beaune offer ideal ambient conditions. Thanks to natural humidity and constant temperatures, this Grand Cru enjoys an environment perfectly suited to peaceful ageing from a very young age.

TASTING NOTE: Bouquet with intense and complex aromas. Full-bodied but not excessive, with a rich flesh, this is a sumptuous vintage with great keeping potential.

FOOD/WINE PAIRING: Game, venison, strong cheeses.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Between 17°C and 18°C

KEEPING POTENTIAL: 10 years and more