Joseph Drouhin : Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2023 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Colour
This French red wine reveals a ruby hue of fine intensity and great depth.

Nose
Powerful and highly refined, the aromatic bouquet opens with aromas of black cherry, plum and dark berries. It then gains complexity with notes of spice, liquorice and bergamot, along with subtle toasted touches reminiscent of dark chocolate and coffee.

Palate
Broad and fleshy, the palate offers a smooth, velvety texture, supported by ripe tannins and a lively acidity that brings great freshness. The balance is remarkable, leading to a long, complex finish marked by spicy nuances and delicately integrated oak.

Food and wine pairing

This grand cru pairs beautifully with refined red meats such as roast fillet of beef or a herb-crusted rack of lamb. It also enhances game birds such as spiced duck or guinea fowl, particularly when served with reduced sauces or mushrooms. As for cheese, it is an ideal match for hard cooked cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort, as well as Morbier.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2023, serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. In its youth, decanting for one to two hours before tasting is recommended. Built for the long haul, this wine will reach its peak between around 2038 and 2043, and has ageing potential through to around 2053.

The elegance and complexity of a Gevrey-Chambertin grand cru by Joseph Drouhin

The estate

Founded in Beaune in 1880 by a young man of just 22, Maison Joseph Drouhin has become an essential reference in Burgundy. This family estate, which today spans nearly 100 hectares of vines stretching from Chablis to the Mâconnais, is run by the fourth generation. Frédéric Drouhin is its current president, working closely with his brothers and sister. A pioneer in environmental stewardship, the estate has farmed its land biodynamically since the late 1980s, always striving for finesse and the authentic expression of each terroir.

The vineyard

Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is a historic climat of the Côte de Nuits, whose origins date back to the 7th century, when it was established by the monks of the Abbey of Bèze. Located in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin, this exceptional terroir lies at an altitude of 270 to 280 metres on a gentle, east-facing slope. The vines thrive on well-drained soils composed of red clay, chalk and broken stones. The high planting density encourages the roots to dig deep into this limestone subsoil, promoting concentration in the grapes.

The vintage

2023 ranks among the hottest years ever recorded in the region, even surpassing the temperatures of the previous season. Despite this intense heat, the weather was generous, providing sufficient rainfall to spare the vines any major water stress. These favourable conditions resulted in consistent yields and optimal ripening of the berries, combining lovely richness with preserved freshness.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes for this Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand cru 2023 are harvested by hand into small perforated crates. Vinification includes a proportion of whole bunches ranging from 20 to 50%. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in small open vats over two to three weeks, punctuated by punch-downs and pump-overs. After gentle pressing in a vertical press, the wine is aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels, around 30% of which are new, made from staves air-dried for three years.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir