Joseph Drouhin : Chambolle-Musigny Village 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chambolle-Musigny Village 2021 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Color

The color displays an intense, brilliant ruby red, enhanced by subtle garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable elegance, with delicate violet aromas, the hallmark floral signature of the appellation. Notes of black cherry and red fruits follow, alongside mineral nuances reminiscent of limestone and an earthy freshness evoking damp soil. Subtle hints of truffle and game may also emerge.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its silky texture and delicate tannins. The balance between tannic structure and lively freshness unfolds harmoniously throughout the tasting. The finish stands out for its exceptional length, extending the sensations with aromas of cherry and candied fruit, lifted by mineral and herbal touches.

Food and wine pairings

This Chambolle-Musigny Village 2021 pairs perfectly with roasted white meats such as simply prepared poultry or rabbit. It also matches well with feathered game such as partridge, served in a salad with beetroot and walnuts. Soft-ripened cheeses such as Camembert or Brie also make excellent pairings. For a more contemporary approach, this wine harmonizes with stir-fried vegetables prepared in a wok or mushroom risottos.

Serving and cellaring

The Chambolle-Musigny Village 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 16°C. Decanting beforehand helps fully release its aromas. This wine can be enjoyed now, but it also offers cellaring potential through around 2036, or even up to 2038 for bottles stored in optimal conditions.

An elegant, refined Chambolle-Musigny from Burgundy by Joseph Drouhin

The estate

Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, the Joseph Drouhin House represents more than fourteen decades of Burgundian family tradition. Now led by the fourth generation, with Frédéric Drouhin as President, Véronique Drouhin-Boss as Cellar Master, Philippe Drouhin overseeing the vineyards, and Laurent Drouhin in charge of commercial operations, the House manages around ninety hectares of vines spread across nearly ninety appellations. A pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming as early as the 1980s, the estate achieved full certification of its vineyards in 1993. A member of the prestigious Primum Familiae Vini association, Joseph Drouhin embodies Burgundian excellence through elegant wines that authentically express their terroirs.

The vineyard

The Chambolle-Musigny comes from small plots of around a quarter of a hectare located in the heart of the village, on limestone-rich soils. This appellation in the Côte de Nuits, one of the smallest in Burgundy with around one hundred and eighty hectares, benefits from a south-eastern exposure and terroirs composed of Jurassic limestone and clay-limestone marls. The temperate semi-continental climate, combined with these outstanding soils, encourages Pinot Noir to express itself with all its finesse. The vines are farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, with high planting densities that promote deep rooting and the grapes’ natural concentration.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage will be remembered as one of the most challenging in Burgundy’s recent history. Devastating frosts in April reduced yields by 50 to 80% depending on the plots, with some areas of Chambolle-Musigny producing only 10% of their usual crop. Despite these extreme conditions, the surviving grapes benefited from a warm, sunny summer, particularly in September, allowing for optimal ripening. This natural selection gave rise to wines of outstanding concentration, harmonious and elegant, emphasizing freshness and the purity of the fruit.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Chambolle-Musigny Village 2021 are hand-harvested into small ventilated crates to preserve their integrity. After rigorous sorting in the vineyard and then at the winery, the bunches are fully destemmed. Fermentation takes place in barrels, with 20 to 25% new oak. Throughout the process, decisions are based on regular tastings rather than technical analyses, favoring the authentic expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir