1961 Pierre Gelin Chambertin

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 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.