2011 Domaine Bertheau Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses

Domaine Francois Bertheau is a 15-acre estate in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy. Francois Bertheau is now in charge of this estate, which has been in the Bertheau family for five generations. The estate produces Bonnes-Mares and Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru. There is also a village Chambolle-Musigny. Up to 15,000 bottles are produced a year. Noted Burgundy expert Clive Coates has written that Francois Bertheau “is a careful winemaker and the results are succulent, elegant and classic examples of Chambolle-Musigny….This is an address that deserves greater recognition.”

Les Amoureuses is a Premier Cru vineyard in the Chambolle-Musigny appellation in Burgundy. The 13-5 acre vineyard lies down slope form the Grand Cru Le Musigny. Because of its excellent quality, Les Amoureuses is regarded more like a Grand Cru than a Premier Cru. The largest landholder is Robert Groffier et Fils, who owns nearly 3 acres. Clive Coates has written that “Les Amoureuses is really a sort of younger brother to Musigny itself; perfumed, silky smooth, intense and soft rather than brutal and muscular, and with real finesse.”

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.