Joseph Drouhin : Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for Joseph Drouhin’s Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2021

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby-red hue, characteristic of a young Pinot Noir from this outstanding terroir.

Nose

The nose reveals powerful, refined aromas evoking black cherry and dark chocolate. Subtle nuances of dried fruit and spices complete this complex bouquet. With time, the aromatic profile will evolve toward notes of forest floor, truffle, and licorice.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unfurls tannins that are both powerful and velvety, offering a perfect balance between extraction and roundness. The finish lingers at length, echoing the notes of black cherry and licorice.

Food and wine pairings

This grand cru pairs beautifully with refined red meats, game, and braised dishes. It also shines alongside coq au vin, tournedos, or duck preparations. With cheese, opt for well-aged Comté or a traditional Époisses. Mushroom- or truffle-based dishes will also elevate this exceptional wine.

Serving and cellaring

Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be appreciated over an optimal window of 15 to 20 years, with aging potential extending to around 30 years under suitable cellaring conditions.

An elegant, structured grand cru from Burgundy

The estate

Founded in 1880 in Beaune by Joseph Drouhin, the Joseph Drouhin House has grown over nearly 150 years to become one of Burgundy’s most prestigious estates. Now run by the family’s fourth generation, with Frédéric Drouhin as Chairman and CEO and Véronique Boss-Drouhin as winemaker and “Keeper of the Palais Drouhin,” the House farms 100 hectares of vines across 90 different appellations. A pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture as early as 1988, it is now Burgundy’s largest certified biodynamic producer.

The vineyard

Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is one of Burgundy’s most historic sites, with documented history dating back to the year 630, when Duke Amalgaire of Lower Burgundy gave these lands to the monks of the Abbaye de Bèze. This 15.39-hectare grand cru lies in the northern part of the Côte de Nuits, within the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin. The vineyard enjoys an east-facing exposure with a moderate slope. The soils are made up of clay-limestone mixed with stones, gravel, and granular red-tinged clay, giving the wine its distinctive mineral character.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by exceptionally challenging conditions in Burgundy, with spring frosts and disease pressure significantly reducing yields. Despite these challenges, the vintage is defined by a harmonious, elegant style, with more moderate alcohol levels than in previous years. This year allowed fruit and freshness to express themselves fully, restoring a classic Burgundian profile. The severity of the vintage required rigorous quality selection at every stage.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2021 were harvested by hand into small perforated 13-kilogram crates, with meticulous berry sorting. Vinification used between 20% and 50% whole clusters, depending on the assessment of the vintage’s characteristics. Fermentation took place over two to three weeks in small open-top vats, using indigenous yeasts and regular pump-overs and punch-downs. After vertical pressing on a traditional press, aging was carried out in French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months, 30% of which were new oak. Weekly tastings guided every intervention throughout this period.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir