2005 Christophe Perrot-Minot Chambertin

Domaine Christophe Perrot-Minot dates its history to the mid-19th century, when Christophe Perrot-Minot’s great grandparents founded the estate. Today the domaine owns or has long-term leases on 26 acres of vineyards in and around Morey-Saint-Denis, in Burgundy. Since taking over the domaine from his father in 1995, Christophe has enlarged the holdings, increased production and, according to many reviewers, improved the quality of the wines. Robert M. Parker Jr. calls Christophe Perrot-Minot “one of Burgundy’s finest winemakers.” The estate produces Grand Crus, Premiers Crus and Villages wines.

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.