2011 Simon Bize Latricières-Chambertin

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils is in Savigny-Les-Beaune, in Burgundy. The estate dates from the late 19th century, when the original Simon Bize started the vineyards. Several generations later the estate is still in the hands of the Bize family with Patrick Bize now in charge. The 53-acre estate includes grand cru parcels in Corton-Charlemagne and Latricieres-Chambertin. There are also premier cru wines. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has written that Patrick Bize “is one of Burgundy’s most sensitive perfectionistic winemakers…” and that the domaine “is an address not to be missed.”

Latricieres-Chambertin is an 18.2 acre Grand Cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin. The vineyard is just south of Chambertin, and it is essentially flat. There are 12 property owners within Latricieres-Chambertin, which has been farmed as a vineyard since the 16th century. By acreage, the largest landowners are Camus, 3.75 acres; Joseph Faiveley, 3 acres; and Rossignol-Trapet, 1.9 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.