2004 Rossignol-Trapet Latricières-Chambertin

Rossignol-Trapet is a 35-acre domain in Chambertin. Its history is intertwined with two great winemaking families, the Trapets and the Rossignols, who are related by marriage. When Jean Trapet and his brother-in-law Jacques Rossignol retired in 1990, the Trapet domaine was divided among the next generation. Today Rossignol-Trapet is run by Nicolas Rossignol. Rossignol-Trapet has Grand Cru parcels in Chambertin, Latricieres-Chambertin and Chapelle-Chambertin. There are also Premier Cru and villages wines. Clive Coates calls the domaine “a very good source.”

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.