GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN LA BRUNELLE
Village appellation
Area: 2.78 ha
Average age of vine stocks: 33 years old
Average yield: 26 hl/ha
« A model for geologists and a paradise for the vine, producing one of the most accomplished versions of the Village Appellation Gevrey-Chambertin. »
Jacky Rigaud
THE CLIMAT
La Brunelle is situated at the heart of the projecting ledge which forms an excellent silt trap. This climat has been described by experts as “one of the greatest successes of the Combe of Lavaux’s alluvial cone.” On the surface brown soils predominate, just below are the limestone gravels that are effective in maintaining the heat. In the lower part of this climat, clustered piles of calcareous stones are to be found. A layer of sand and clay is situated two metres below the surface.
CHARACTER
A bright, clear appearance, intense in colour with deep violet flecks. Aromas of jammy cherries are sometimes revealed. An aromatic persistence that outclasses its Village appellation.
THE VINEYARD PLOT
La Brunelle is inextricably linked to the history of the house, from which this remarkable plot takes its name. Domaine Henri Rebourseau is the exclusive proprietor of this appellation whose vineyard plot extends beyond the house and grounds within a large, walled enclosure.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN AUX CORVEES
Village appellation
Area: 2.35 ha
Average age of vine stocks: 54 years old
Average yield: 27 hl/ha
« The emotion of Les Corvées reveals itself in the beauty of desire and the anticipation of the absolute »
THE CLIMAT
Stretching south beyond Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Corvées is situated in an area that is relatively flat with rich soils. This gives a taste of the finesse of the premiers crus which border its southern extremity.
THE VINEYARD PLOT
In front of the Domaine a road leading to the house marks the boundary between Les Corvées and la Brunelle. This boundary marks a very clear variation in character. Scree deposits are more disparate. The soil here is relatively deep, reaching depths of 1 – 2 metres.
CHARACTER
A deep garnet appearance with mauve highlights, producing a dark veneer in the glass. Purple tones with ruby glints, reminiscent of glorious years.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN SYLVIE
Village appellation
Area: 0.16 ha
Average age of vine stocks: 59 years old
Average yield: 27 hl/ha
« Amid the walled vineyards at the foot of this village sweet blueberries and succulent cherries ripen. »
THE CLIMAT
For many years this vineyard was the property of the religious order of Langres. In a parish record dating from 1744 this lieu dit site was named “en la survie” or “survie” (survival) and is today known as “Sylvie”. Situated in the middle section of the alluvial cone, this climat benefits from clay and limestone colluvial deposits that are favorable to the cultivation of vines. It appears that this plot may have first been planted with vines in the Gallo-Roman era. Its soil is rich and deep.
CHARACTER
Sylvie produces a Gevrey-Chambertin whose garnet-red appearance has a deep crimson hue, almost black cherry in colour. Pronounced red fruit aromas, with notes of Bigarreau cherries.
VINEYARD PLOT
The plot belonging to the estate is situated at the extreme south of the climat. Protected to the north by a small orchard, its rows are oriented towards the south, guaranteeing a vigorous maturity.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
FONTENY PREMIER CRU
Premier cru appellation
Area: 0.8 ha
Average age of vine stocks: 43 years old
Average yield: 25 hl/ha
« Le Fonteny is one of those terroirs that seems to be almost inexplicably touched by grace. »
Jacky Rigaux in Gevrey-Chambertin, Joyau du Terroir.
THE CLIMAT
The climat is situated upon crinoidal limestone (limestone formed with fossils), which in certain places is less than 15cm from the surface. This climat is full of contrasts, stretching from Les Ruchottes to the lower part of the Combe of Lavaux, west of Gevrey-Chambertin. A steep bank of several dozen metres separates the upper part of the climat from its lower portion.
CHARACTER
A cherry red appearance, presenting notes of raspberry and spice on the nose.
An elegant, tannin-rich structure with a long and intense finish.
THE VINEYARD PLOT
The plot is entirely protected from the north by the tree-lined grounds of an imposing residence. Its position at the bottom of the slope benefits from a generous soil which confers surprising vigour upon this vine.
CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN
Grand Cru appellation
Area: 1.32 ha
Average age of vine stock: 35 years old
Average yield: 25 hl/ha
« Entre un Chambertin et un Charmes il y a la différence d’un assagissement dans la vigueur et la robustesse, que souvent même, en bonnes années compense une finesse mieux dégagée, c’est-à-dire plus sensible et plus affirmée. »
Gaston Roupnel.
THE CLIMAT
Les Charmes Chambertin is situated upon a limestone outcrop thinly covered with a 25cm layer of rendzina soil. There is significant iron in this pebbly, marly soil, with iron particles appearing at the surface. This appellation is separated from the Chambertin appellation by the Route des Grands Crus and differs from the Mazoyères Chambertin situated lower down the hill which can also be labelled Charmes Chambertin.
CHARACTER
A wine with hints of wild strawberries interlaced with vanilla spice. Combining structure and unctuousity, this wine is suave and refined. Proof of eternity, concentrated and sweet, all is nectar, elegance and harmony.
VINEYARD PLOT
The Domaine’s plots are situated exclusively in Charmes Chambertin within its uppermost area. The plots have the benefit of being unified, producing wine which is a faithful representation of this climat.
MAZY-CHAMBERTIN
Grand Cru appellation
Area: 0.96 ha
Average age of vine stocks: 41 years old
Average yield: 23 hl/ha
« Oh how many deeds, how many glorious achievements remain unsung in the darkness and the shadows. »
Jean-François Bazin quoting Corneille with regard to the Domaine’s Mazy Chambertin
THE CLIMAT
The name Mazy was first used in 1420. Situated in the continuation of the Clos de Bèze, it is evident that the use of this climat for winemaking purposes has a long history. The Mazy are sited upon crinoidal limestone (limestone formed with fossils) dating from the lower Bajocian era, and calcareous rocks rise to the surface of this brown soil. Superbly protected from the north by the village, the Mazy-Chambertin is one of Gevrey’s subtlest and most complex grands crus.
CHARACTER
A powerful and opulent wine, rivalling Clos de Bèze in finesse. Marked by subtle nuances of red fruit, liquorice and jammy cherries.
VINEYARD PLOT
The Domaine’s Mazy plot stretches along the length of a gentle slope from the bottom of the Route des Grands Crus to Chambertin Ruchottes at the top of the slope.
CHAMBERTIN CLOS DE BEZE
Grand Cru appellation
Area: 0.33 ha
Average age of vine stock: 51 years old
Average yield: 21 hl/ha
« …combines grace and vigour, austerity and power with finesse and delicacy. All these contrary qualities compose an admirable synthesis with a unique generosity and... complete perfection. »
Gaston Roupnel
THE CLIMAT
This is the oldest clos (walled vineyard) in Burgundy; it owes its name to the Abbey of Bèze to which the Duc Amalgaire donated the land in the year 630. According to Dr. Jules Lavalle, its secret lies in the age of the vine plantations which date back fifteen centuries, during which time the soil, expurgated of all other plant species and deprived of all nitrate enrichment, has instead been enriched with vine waste alone, creating an exceptional and perfectly consistent terrain.
CHARACTER
Eternal elixir of the insatiable soul. Burning with intense violet, shimmering with intoxicating liquorice.
THE VINEYARD PLOT
The plot belonging to the Domaine is magnificently exposed to the rising sun; its pronounced slope is steeper than that of the Chambertin. This well-disposed climat has very marly white soil in its upper part. A few metres further down the slope, the soil is predominantly brown limestone. This plot is situated in the middle of the Chambertin and Clos de Bèze appellation. It is well ventilated by wind arriving from the north and particularly well protected from the westerly winds that bring rain.
CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU
Grand Cru appellation
Area: 0.46 ha
Average age of vine stock: 59 years old
Average yield: 20 hl/ha
« Here all is concluded and total genius is achieved. Embodied in the generosity of an ardent liquid flesh cloaked in imperial crimson-purple, this perfume of budding roses at daybreak… But this Caesars’ purple is the purple of a King, Chambertin, King of Wines! The sovereign is here in Burgundy; king of life and of joy. »
Gaston Roupnel (1871-1946)
THE CLIMAT
Chambertin is situated upon outcrops of lower Bajocian crinoidal limestone (limestone formed with fossils) in the middle of the hill, while at the top of the slope Bajocian marls dominate. A thin layer of scree and silt covers the entire climat whose soils are exclusively brown limestone.
CHARACTER
The palate is awash with the intense expression of violets and liquorice. Its lengthy finish is incomparable. « This famous cru possesses all the qualities of a perfect wine to the highest degree: body, colour, bouquet and finesse. » Classed as outstanding by Dr. Jules Lavalle in 1855.
THE VINEYARD PLOT
The plots belonging to the Domaine are situated halfway up the hill whose lower part consists of limestone marls rich in clay. Less steep than the Clos de Bèze and noticeably colder due to its proximity to the Combe Grisard, this location benefits from excellent ventilation. The altitude is ideal, stones are abundant and the natural drainage is perfect, while its exposure to the rising sun is incomparable.
CLOS DE VOUGEOT
Grand Cru Appellation
Area: 2.21 ha
Average age of vine stock: 41 years old
Average yield: 25 hl/ha
« Is not this sumptuous velvet robe the sensual cloak of voluptuous nudities, delightful and irreverent flesh? »
Gaston Roupnel (1871-1946)
THE CLIMAT
In his 1855 classification, Dr. Jules Lavalle distinguished 4 outstanding grands crus among the red wines of Burgundy: Chambertin, Clos de Bèze, Romanée Conti and Clos Vougeot.
Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, the Clos de Vougeot groups together a considerable variety of terroirs. Established between the 11th and 12th centuries at the behest of the monks of Citeaux Abbey, this walled vineyard is today divided into more than 80 separate plots. These plots of unequal size render it difficult to give an overall characterisation to the appellation.
CHARACTER
A wine with pronounced minerality expressing earthy notes of fern, moss and truffle, revealing velvety tones of coffee beans and black radish. « From Clos de Vougeot a soul is released, singing praises, adoration, … Spirit ».
THE VINEYARD PLOT
The Domaine’s plot is positioned at the juncture between le Baudes St Martin, le Grand Maupertui, le Marais Bas and the Baudes Hautes. Held as one plot by the family for centuries, this constitutes the Clos Vougeot’s golden square. In the gently sloping upper part, above the Bajocian limestone bedrock, the soil is relatively shallow, gravelly and granular in structure. In the middle of the slope the soil is brown and shallow with calcareous gravel, then clay.
