Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Charmes-Chambertin's history is less storied than that of Chambertin or Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, but the vineyard earned its place among the elite when Grand Cru status was officially granted on 31 July 1937. A key quirk of the AOC regulations established at that time was the decision to allow wines from the neighboring Mazoyères-Chambertin to be sold under the more commercially appealing Charmes-Chambertin label. As a result, the Mazoyères appellation became increasingly obscure, with only around 10 percent of combined production ever bottled under its own name. In the 19th century, surrounding villages and vineyards were permitted under Napoleonic law to append the famous 'Chambertin' suffix, cementing the regional hierarchy that persists today.

• Grand Cru AOC officially granted on 31 July 1937
• Mazoyères-Chambertin producers may legally bottle their wine as Charmes-Chambertin; only around 10% of combined production is ever sold under the Mazoyères name
• In the 19th century, surrounding climats gained the right to use the Chambertin suffix under Napoleonic law
• The combined appellation area is the same for both Charmes-Chambertin and Mazoyères-Chambertin AOCs

Charmes-Chambertin is situated in the southern part of Gevrey-Chambertin's Grand Cru band, on an east-facing slope at approximately 240 to 280 metres elevation. The vineyard is composed of two distinct lieux-dits: Aux Charmes to the north, lying just below Chambertin itself, and Mazoyères-Chambertin to the south, bordered by Latricières-Chambertin to the west. Soils vary with altitude: the upper slopes feature partially alluvial brown soils and crinoid limestone, while the lower portions carry clay-limestone soils with a subsoil of Bajocian rock, Jurassic marls, and marine fossils. The topsoil in the Charmes lieu-dit tends to be slightly redder and more iron-rich with more pebbles, while Mazoyères offers a lighter, deeper soil profile.

• East-facing slope at 240-280 metres elevation in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin
• Two lieux-dits: Aux Charmes (12.25 ha) adjacent to Chambertin, and Mazoyères (18.58 ha) bordering Latricières-Chambertin
• Soils include crinoid and Comblanchien limestone on upper slopes and clay-limestone lower down, with Bajocian subsoil containing Jurassic marls and marine fossils
• Charmes topsoil is more iron-rich and pebbly; Mazoyères offers lighter, deeper soils influenced by cool air from the Combe Grisard

Charmes-Chambertin is produced overwhelmingly from Pinot Noir; AOC regulations technically allow up to 15 percent Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris as accessory grapes, but this provision is virtually never employed at Grand Cru level. Wines are celebrated for being highly fragrant in youth, showcasing the typicity of Pinot Noir in the form of soft, ripe fruit, floral lift, and a silky, approachable texture. Compared to the more austere power of Chambertin, Charmes tends toward elegance and perfume. The Mazoyères sector can produce wines with slightly more body and structure, while the Aux Charmes lieu-dit tends toward luscious red fruit and floral character.

• 100% Pinot Noir in practice; regulations allow up to 15% Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris but this is virtually never used
• Minimum planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare; minimum 11.5% potential alcohol at harvest
• Aux Charmes: plush red fruit, floral lift, silky texture; Mazoyères: fuller body, more structure, savory undertones
• Wines are highly fragrant in youth and typically peak between 10 and 20 years of age

Charmes-Chambertin has a large number of proprietors, likely more than any other Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru, which contributes to a broad range of styles and quality levels. Domaine Armand Rousseau holds approximately 1.47 hectares across three parcels, including a plot in Mazoyères-Chambertin, and is one of the most revered names in the appellation. Grapes are fermented by gravity into barrel and typically aged for 18 to 24 months unfiltered. Domaine Dugat-Py (0.72 ha) and Domaine Dujac (0.70 ha) are among the most sought-after producers. Other acclaimed names with parcels in the appellation include Domaine Ponsot, Joseph Roty, Christian Serafin, Faiveley, and Joseph Drouhin, each bringing distinct philosophies to the terroir.

• Domaine Armand Rousseau: approximately 1.47 ha across three parcels including Mazoyères; gravity-fed vinification, 18-24 months in barrel, bottled unfiltered
• Domaine Dugat-Py: 0.72 ha, organically and biodynamically farmed since 2003, wines aged 16-18 months and bottled unfiltered; among the most sought-after Charmes expressions
• Domaine Dujac: 0.70 ha, another highly desirable producer known for elegance and precision
• Also acclaimed: Domaine Ponsot, Joseph Roty, Christian Serafin, Faiveley, and Joseph Drouhin

Charmes-Chambertin received its Grand Cru AOC designation on 31 July 1937, placing it at the apex of Burgundy's classification hierarchy. The AOC base yield is set at 37 hectoliters per hectare, with a minimum planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare and a minimum grape maturity of 11.5% potential alcohol required at harvest. One of the appellation's most distinctive legal provisions is that Mazoyères-Chambertin, a separate adjacent Grand Cru of 18.58 hectares, may be bottled and sold under the Charmes-Chambertin label, but the reverse is not permitted. All wine must be produced within the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin.

• Grand Cru AOC designation officially granted 31 July 1937
• Base yield: 37 hl/ha; minimum planting density: 9,000 vines/ha; minimum maturity: 11.5% potential alcohol
• Mazoyères-Chambertin producers may legally use the Charmes-Chambertin appellation name; the reverse is not permitted
• Producing commune: Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits

Gevrey-Chambertin is one of Burgundy's most accessible and rewarding wine villages, sitting just south of Dijon along the Route des Grands Crus. The Charmes-Chambertin vineyard is visible from the road and lies adjacent to other celebrated Grand Crus including Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, and Mazoyères-Chambertin. Many producers offer cellar visits and tastings by appointment, though advance booking is essential given the small production volumes and high demand. Gevrey-Chambertin village itself offers several restaurants and wine bars, and the broader Côte de Nuits provides world-class wine tourism for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

• Located along the Route des Grands Crus, easily accessible from Dijon to the north
• Adjacent Grand Crus include Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, and Mazoyères-Chambertin
• Cellar visits and tastings available by appointment from many domaines; advance booking strongly advised
• Gevrey-Chambertin village offers restaurants, wine bars, and direct access to nine Grand Cru vineyards