1998 Frederic Esmonin Ruchottes-Chambertin

Ruchottes-Chambertin is an 8.1-acre Grand Cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin. Located just north of Mazis-Chambertin, the soil is thin and rocky and the slope is steep. In fact the name Ruchottes comes from “rochers,” or rocks. The principal proprietors are Armand Rousseau, 2.5 acres; Mugneret-Gibourg, 1.6 acres; and Frederic Esmonin, 1.45 acres. Fewer than 1,000 cases of wine are produced annually from this vineyard.

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.