2011 Pierre Gelin Chambertin Clos de Beze

Domaine Pierre Gelin is a 32-acre estate in Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin. It was created in 1925 by Pierre Gelin and it is today owned and operated by his grandson, Pierre-Emmanuel. The domaine has a Grand Cru parcel in Chambertin Clos de Beze; Premier Cru parcels in Gevrey-Chambertin and Fixin; and village wines. The Fixin Premier Cru Clos Napoleon is a monopole. Clive Coates has written that “these are rich, substantial wines…” About 50% of the domaine’s wines are exported.

Chambertin Clos-de-Beze is a Grand Cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, and its history goes back to the 7th century when it was owned by the monks of the Abbey of Beze. After the French Revolution the Catholic Church was forced to divide the vineyard among peasants. Today it is a 38-acre vineyard, making it slightly larger than Chambertin. Chambertin and Chambertin Clos-de-Beze are adjacent and share similar limestone, clay and gravel soils. Of the 18 proprietors, the largest by acreage are Pierre Damoy, 13.4 acres; Armand Rousseau, 3.5 acres; and Drouhin-Laroze, 3.48 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.