Domaine Henri Rebourseau : Chambertin Grand cru 2021

Tasting Characteristics and Serving Tips for the Chambertin 2021 from Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a moderately deep ruby hue, characteristic of the 2021 vintage.

Nose

The nose opens expressively with notes of violet and subtle hints of mint. The bouquet also reveals aromas of concentrated red and black fruits, accompanied by delicate spicy and mineral nuances reflecting the limestone soils of the Chambertin terroir.

Palate

On the palate, the wine displays a refined, seamless texture, with a concentrated yet fresh fruit expression. The tannins, present but not dominant, harmoniously support the wine’s structure. The finish lingers with elegance, maintaining a persistent sense of freshness.

Food and wine pairings

This Chambertin pairs ideally with braised red meats, roast lamb with its juices, poultry in red wine sauce, as well as dishes featuring mushrooms and truffles. Aged firm cheeses, notably Époisses, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to decant this Chambertin 2021 about one hour before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. This wine can be enjoyed now, while also offering aging potential of 10 to 15 years.

An elegant, expressive Burgundy grand cru

The estate

Founded in 1919 by General Henri Rebourseau, the Domaine Henri Rebourseau was established around an 18th-century residence in Gevrey-Chambertin. Since 2018, the estate has belonged to the Bouygues family, in partnership with the de Surrel family, under the supervision of Hervé Berland. The estate spans 13.5 hectares and features a remarkable concentration of grands crus and premiers crus. Converted to biodynamics since 2011, it stands out for its terroir-respectful practices and its traditional winemaking philosophy, which favors the expression of each appellation.

The vineyard

This Chambertin comes from a 0.46-hectare parcel located mid-slope on the famous eponymous grand cru. This historic vineyard, recognized since the 13th century, rests on complex clay-limestone soils. The upper section features hard rock formations with brown soils that are partially alluvial, while the lower section reveals Jurassic clays and limestones rich in marine fossils. These terroirs benefit from optimal east and southeast exposures, promoting ideal ripening of Pinot Noir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging in Burgundy. A devastating frost between April 5 and 8, with temperatures dropping to as low as -5 or -6°C, severely impacted the buds. The late flowering was followed by coulure on certain weakened vines. Hail episodes in June and significant disease pressure required rigorous vineyard management. Despite these challenges, September made it possible to achieve satisfactory ripeness, producing elegant, transparent, fresh wines with moderate alcohol levels around 12.5%.

Vinification and aging

Chambertin 2021 was vinified according to the estate’s traditional methods. After hand-harvesting and complete destemming, the grapes fermented in open vats for 14 to 17 days. Extraction was carefully calibrated to respect the vintage’s delicate character. Aging took place for 16 to 18 months in barrels, with about 30% new oak with a standard grain, favoring subtle oak integration. Wine movements were carried out by gravity to preserve the wine’s finesse.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir