Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Issarts

The name Issarts traces directly to the old French verb 'essarter,' meaning to clear forest or scrubland for cultivation. According to historical accounts, the site may have first been cleared for viticulture in the 8th century, possibly during the reign of Charlemagne. This kind of early medieval land clearance was often carried out by monastic communities in the Côte de Nuits, and the etymology points to a site that was literally carved from woodland. The vineyard has also been known as La Plantigone, and informally as Clos des Issarts or Les Issarts, reflecting the patchwork of naming conventions common to Burgundy's oldest parcels.

• Name derives from old French 'essarter,' to clear forest for cultivation
• Possible viticultural origins in the 8th century under Charlemagne
• Known under several alternate names including La Plantigone and Clos des Issarts

Domaine Faiveley holds Les Issarts as a monopole, meaning the estate owns the entirety of this Premier Cru climat. At 0.61 hectares, it is the smallest monopole in Burgundy, a distinction that gives it notable rarity in a region where even small holdings are prized. Faiveley first worked the vineyard under a 50-year lease before purchasing it outright in 2003. The vineyard is planted across two terraces, with vines dating to 1971, 2005, and 2007. The combination of old vine material and younger plantings gives the estate continuity alongside freshness in its wines.

• Domaine Faiveley purchased the site in 2003 following a 50-year lease
• At 0.61 hectares, it is the smallest monopole in all of Burgundy
• Two terraces planted in 1971, 2005, and 2007

Les Issarts occupies a northeast-facing slope with eastern exposure, a relatively cool orientation by Côte de Nuits standards. Westerly winds funneling through the Combe de Lavaux further reduce temperatures at this site, setting it apart from the warmer, south-facing grands crus of Gevrey-Chambertin. The soils are limestone-clay with stony character and patches of exposed bedrock, a profile that promotes drainage and mineral tension in the finished wine. This cooler microclimate and structured soil type are directly responsible for the vineyard's lighter, more floral and racy style compared to the broader power associated with Gevrey-Chambertin.

• Northeast aspect and eastern exposure create a cooler growing environment
• Westerly winds from the Combe de Lavaux lower temperatures further
• Limestone-clay soils with stones and exposed rock drive mineral character
• Cooler conditions distinguish it from Gevrey's warmer, south-facing Premier and Grand Crus

The wines of Les Issarts lean toward elegance rather than power. Red fruit characters dominate, complemented by floral notes and a mineral backbone derived from the limestone-rich soils. The tannins are silky and fine-grained, and the overall profile has a racy, lifted quality that reflects the cool northeast exposure. This is Gevrey-Chambertin in a more delicate register, suitable for earlier drinking than many of the appellation's more structured bottlings, though the combination of old vines and Premier Cru terroir gives the wine enough depth for cellaring.