# Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses (2019)

- **Producer:** Domaine François Bertheau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €460
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, sandalwood, vanilla, cloves, earth, mineral

## About this wine

The Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses from Domaine François Bertheau is a 2019 vintage Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. The wine originates from the highly regarded Les Amoureuses vineyard, a Premier Cru site often likened to Grand Cru quality, known for its delicate yet intense character. Domaine François Bertheau, a fifth-generation family estate, is committed to a minimalist winemaking philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression, elegance, and finesse. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, yielding wines of refined quality and balance. Bertheau's approach emphasizes purity and the unique voice of the vineyard, with low yields and a hands-off winemaking style.

## Interesting facts

- Les Amoureuses translates to 'The Lovers,' hinting at the wine's seductive qualities.
- The vineyard is a Premier Cru, but often considered Grand Cru in quality by connoisseurs.
- Domaine Bertheau practices very low yields, about half of the appellation's maximum.
- François Bertheau believes terroir is paramount, spending most of his time in the vineyard.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus acidity and firm, silky tannins are ideal for cutting through the richness of proteins and creamy sauces. Its elegant fruit profile and subtle earthy notes complement dishes featuring poultry, veal, and game, while its finesse makes it a perfect match for refined preparations.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Domaine François Bertheau for this Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses begins with manual harvesting. The grapes are 100% destemmed before undergoing fermentation in steel and cement tanks for 14-16 days, utilizing indigenous yeasts. A key aspect of the vinification is the minimal intervention, with very little pumping-over or punching down to prevent over-extraction and preserve the wine's delicate character. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with a conscious effort to use only a small proportion of new wood (10-20%). This approach is guided by the domaine's philosophy of prioritizing terroir expression and allowing the natural qualities of the Pinot Noir and the vineyard to shine through.