2011 Domaine Tortochot Chambertin

Domaine Tortochot is a 28-acre domain in Gevrey-Chambertin. The domain is owned by the Tortochot family, which has been growing grapes in the region for more than 100 years. Today Chantal Tortochot runs the estate. Domaine Tortochot owns parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, and Clos de Vougeot. There are also Premier Cru and villages parcels.

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.