Charmes-Chambertin

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The Côte de Nuits forms a rectilinear ridge of tectonic origin stretching approximately 25 kilometres in a general north–south direction.
• The parcels are located at the foot of the slope, at an altitude of between 260 and 280 metres, on a gentle terrace of complex geological composition.
• The western part of the terrace rests on a substrate of hard Bajocian limestones, a stage of the Middle Jurassic, formerly quarried as dimension stone.
• The terrace is covered by calcareous clay-and-gravel materials from an alluvial fan originating in a small dry valley cutting into the face of the slope, the Combe Grisard.
• The cool oceanic climate is tempered by continental or southerly influences channelled along the Rhône–Saône axis, with moderate rainfall of around 750 millimetres per year and a mean annual temperature of 10.5°C.
• The topographic situation of the parcels protects them from the risk of frost as well as from morning mists, while ensuring an eastward exposure favourable to rapid warming of the soil.

• The place name 'Charmes', close to 'chaumes' (stubble fields), most likely refers to thin, stony, and dry soils.
• The vines are trained at planting densities above 9,000 vines per hectare, with an encépagement based on the pinot noir variety.
• As of 2009, the vineyard covers approximately 29 hectares, with a mean annual production of 1,100 hectolitres.
• Wines from the parcels of the lieu-dit 'Mazoyères', situated immediately to the south, may by custom bear the name Charmes-Chambertin.

• The wines display a dense tannic structure combined with great finesse, with complex aromas often blending red fruits and spices or notes of undergrowth.
• They are characterised by considerable longevity, and several years of cellaring encourage the full revelation and expression of their potential.

• The soils developed over a few decimetres of stony material ensure good root penetrability and promote drainage, which results in moderate fertility and a well-balanced water regime.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF)
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — BIVB