# Chambolle-Musigny (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine François Bertheau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, blueberry, violet, peony, blackcurrant, sweet spice, hay, earth, mineral

## About this wine

Domaine François Bertheau's Chambolle-Musigny is a quintessential expression of its esteemed appellation in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. This family-run estate, with a history rooted in generations of winemaking, is guided by François Bertheau's philosophy of minimal intervention. The domaine is celebrated for producing wines that embody the classic Chambolle character: subtle, refined, and elegant, with a focus on silky textures and pure terroir expression. The 2022 vintage, known for its ripe fruit and balanced structure, offers a delightful example of this dedication. The vineyards, planted with vines averaging 40-45 years old in clay-limestone soils, contribute to the wine's distinct sense of place. Domaine Bertheau's wines are sought after for their purity and ability to showcase the unique nuances of Chambolle-Musigny.

## Interesting facts

- Domaine Bertheau's wines are known for their subtle elegance, a hallmark of classic Chambolle-Musigny.
- The estate practices very low yields, concentrating the essence of the grapes.
- Minimal new oak is used to ensure the terroir remains the star.
- The domaine's approach is often described as 'hands-off' winemaking.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and velvety tannins are well-suited to lean proteins like duck, veal, and poultry, where they can complement without overpowering. Its bright acidity cuts through richer sauces, while subtle red fruit and floral notes can be echoed by fruit-based sauces or earthy mushrooms.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Domaine François Bertheau is characterized by a deep respect for the grape and the terroir. Grapes are meticulously destemmed before fermentation, which takes place with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel and cement vats for 14-16 days. Gentle handling is paramount, with very little pigeage (punching down) or remontage (pumping over) employed to avoid over-extraction and maintain the wine's delicate structure. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an 18-month aging period in large oak tonneaux. The use of new oak is deliberately kept low, typically around 20% for this cuvée, ensuring that the wine's purity and the essence of Chambolle-Musigny remain the focus. This minimalist approach underscores the domaine's commitment to producing wines that are true expressions of their origin.