1978 Pierre Bouree Fils Chambertin

Domaine Pierre Bouree Fils in Gevrey-Chambertin is owned and operated by brothers Bernard and Jean-Christophe Valet. They are descended from the founder of the domaine, Pierre Bouree, who in the mid-19th century founded a wine business and acquired a vineyard. The domaine consists of 12 acres with Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Charmes Chambertin, as well as villages wines and a monopole in Clos-de-la-Justice. The domaine also has a Beaune Premier Cru parcel, Les Epenottes. The enterprise is also a negociant, and buys grapes for a large portfolio of red and white Burgundies.

Chambertin is a 32.5 acre Grand Cru vineyard in the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. More than 25 proprietors own parcels, and some parcels are as small as about 50 square yards. The famous vineyard gets its name from a 7th century peasant, Monsieur Bertin. The name is assumed to come from the phrase “champ Bertin,” or Bertin’s field. Chambertin has an altitude that varies from 275 to 300 meters and is tucked under the Montagne de la Combe-Grisard, sheltering the site from strong winds. The soil is limestone, though there is also clay and gravel. Principal proprietors by acreage owned are Armand Rousseau, 5.38 acres; Jean and Jean-Louis Trapet, 4.75 acres; and Rossignol-Trapet, 4 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.