Lucien Le Moine : Charmes-Chambertin Grand cru 2022

The elegance and purity of a great Burgundy grand cru

The estate

Founded in 1999 in Beaune, at the heart of Burgundy, the house of Lucien Le Moine is the fruit of the passion of Mounir and Rotem Saouma, who remain its current owners. This estate operates as a haute couture micro-négociant, devoting itself exclusively to the ageing of premier and grand crus. Driven by a philosophy of minimal intervention and a deep respect for tradition, the founders carry out meticulous work to express the greatest purity of each terroir, raising their cuvées among the most sought-after in the region.

The vineyard

The Charmes-Chambertin is a renowned terroir located in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin. The vines benefit from an east-facing exposure, capturing the morning light, at an altitude ranging between 240 and 280 metres. The soils consist of brown earth and alluvial deposits mixed with rocky scree on the upper slopes, while the lower part of the hillside reveals a predominantly clay-limestone composition rich in marine fossils, giving the wine great finesse.

The vintage

The year 2022 stood out for its warm, dry weather conditions, following a mild winter. High summer temperatures were punctuated by a few saving rains in June and August, allowing the vines to maintain their balance. These ideal conditions led to an early harvest from the end of August, thus preserving lovely freshness in the berries.

Winemaking and ageing

The making of the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 relies on traditional, minimally interventionist methods. The juice is collected immediately after pressing for ageing on total lees, without any racking. The wine matures exclusively in new barrels from the Jupilles forest, benefiting from a slow toasting over embers. Regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) nourishes the wine, while malolactic fermentation is deliberately delayed until the following summer to naturally protect the nectar.

Grape variety

Pinot Noir (100%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 Lucien Le Moine

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a bright, radiant ruby hue.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of red and black fruits, such as black cherry, blackberry and strawberry. It is then enriched with delicate floral touches of violet and peony, underscored by spicy and mineral nuances.

Palate
The palate combines power and opulence with refined elegance. The texture is distinguished by silky tannins, supported by lovely vibrancy, offering a complex and harmonious structure.

Food and wine pairing

This grand cru pairs wonderfully with feathered game in sauce, roast lamb, glazed poultry or a fine entrecôte. It will also elevate dishes based on roasted mushrooms as well as soft cheeses.

Service and storage

To reveal the full complexity of the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022, decanting is essential before serving in order to release the natural carbon dioxide. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. This wine, built to withstand the test of time, can be cellared for several decades.

Other characteristics

This wine has undergone neither fining nor filtration. It is bottled by gravity, following the lunar calendar, specifically after the full moon.