Joseph Drouhin : Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru "Amoureuses" 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Amoureuses” 2021 from Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Color

The color displays a vivid, brilliant hue, ranging from pale ruby to cherry red, reflecting the freshness and youth of the vintage.

Nose

The nose reveals one of Burgundy’s most subtle expressions. A broad palette of seductive aromas evolves from one moment to the next, moving from raspberry to kirsch. With aeration, notes of truffle, mushroom, and wood emerge, sometimes accompanied by musky, even animal nuances. The aromas remain consistently elegant and restrained.

Palate

On the palate, a wonderful silky sensation unfolds, carried by very refined tannins. Intensity, a velvety texture, and vibrant freshness come together in remarkable balance. True to its name, this wine is a masterpiece of harmony. The very delicate finish leaves an impression of supreme refinement, with exceptional complexity and length.

Food and wine pairings

This Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Amoureuses” 2021 pairs beautifully with roasted poultry or poultry in sauce, veal prepared with mushrooms or a light cream, as well as feathered game. It also matches well with soft cheeses such as Brie de Meaux, Chaource, or Reblochon.

Serving and cellaring

The Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Amoureuses” 2021 is ideally served between 16 and 18°C. This wine has a cellaring potential of 25 years, with an optimal drinking window between around 2031 and 2041.

The refinement and precision of a Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1880 in Beaune, the House of Joseph Drouhin is one of Burgundy’s most prestigious wine houses. Family-owned for nearly 150 years, it is now run by the fourth generation: Frédéric, Véronique, Philippe, and Laurent Drouhin. The estate spans around 100 hectares across Burgundy’s finest appellations. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, Joseph Drouhin has become Burgundy’s largest biodynamic producer, following a conversion begun in 1988 and certified in 1996.

The vineyard

The Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Amoureuses” comes from an exceptional 5.4-hectare Climat, considered the most prestigious Premier Cru in the appellation. Located just below the Grand Cru Musigny, this vineyard benefits from an east-facing exposure at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters. The shallow soils rest on fractured Jurassic limestone, allowing roots to penetrate deep into the ground. The upper part of the Climat features Comblanchien limestone, identical to that of Musigny, giving the wine its hallmark delicacy. Joseph Drouhin owns about 0.59 hectares of this outstanding terroir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage ranks among the most challenging in recent history for Burgundy. Devastating frosts in April hit the region, followed by a cold, wet summer that slowed ripening and increased the risk of downy mildew. Yields reached historically low levels throughout Burgundy. Fortunately, temperatures rose in September, allowing the surviving grapes to finish ripening. Harvest took place in the second half of September. Despite these challenges, the low yields concentrated flavors, producing harmonious, elegant wines in a classic Burgundian style that favors freshness and fruit over power.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Amoureuses” 2021 are harvested by hand and placed in small perforated crates. Meticulous sorting is carried out in the vineyard and then at the winery. Partial destemming (between 20 and 50%) preserves a proportion of whole clusters. Fermentation starts naturally with indigenous yeasts in small open vats. Traditional punch-downs and pump-overs ensure gentle extraction during a 2- to 3-week maceration. Aging lasts 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels air-dried for three years, with about 20 to 25% new oak to respect the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir