At the heart of the most delicate vineyard of the Côte de Nuits, the Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Noirots 2021 from Bouchard Père & Fils stands as an ode to Burgundian elegance. From a hillside terroir with stony clay-limestone soils, this Pinot Noir unfolds an intensely fragrant profile where depth always leaves room for lace-like finesse. The house presents a characterful cuvée, both precise and sensual, that will charm connoisseurs seeking a pure, clear and noble expression of Chambolle. Its garnet dress heralds a bouquet of fine spices, kirsch and fruit polished by élevage, while the palate, chiselled and airy, delivers a supple texture supported by an elongated structure. At the table, this 1er Cru pairs with rare pertinence to noble meats and game birds, promising intuitively successful matches. Drinkable today after light aeration, it can also rest in cellar until 2031, gaining in aromatic complexity and depth.

Blend and winemaking

This wine is made exclusively from the Pinot Noir from the 2021 harvest. Grapes are hand-picked with strict sorting to ensure the integrity of the fruit. Destemming is total or partial depending on the ripeness of the stems, then fermentation takes place in small vessels to refine extraction and preserve the finesse of the aromas. Maceration of 15 to 20 days allows the appropriate intensity of tannins to be expressed without disturbing the balance. Aging occurs over 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with 40 to 50% new oak depending on the lots, to provide delicate support, gentle spice and a hint of breadth without masking the personality of the cru. This patient, measured protocol reveals a straight, elongated style where Chambolle’s natural grace is written with clarity.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Bright garnet with mauve to brown highlights, alluringly clear. The sheen signals controlled concentration and showcases the delicacy of a Pinot Noir worked with precision.
• Nose: Initial impression of fine spices, followed by notes of kirsch and cooked fruit. With aeration, nuances of black cherry, pink pepper and an elegant underwood emerge. Together they form a refined bouquet, ample but never showy.
• Palate: Soft and precise attack, silky texture that glides gracefully. The tannic frame, fine and perfectly rounded, supports a core of juicy fruit. Sapid length, paced by measured freshness and a persistent, straight and harmonious finish.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this 1er Cru between 17 and 18°C in large Burgundy glasses to enhance the fruit’s suppleness and the delicacy of the spicy aromas. It is recommended to open the bottle shortly before serving to release the bouquet and refine the mouthfeel. Store it in a cellar, in a calm place protected from vibrations and temperature fluctuations, with dim light and stable humidity. Thanks to its graceful yet solid structure, this Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru displays charm today and can gain aromatic complexity with a few years of rest, up to 2031, revealing more tertiary notes without losing its intrinsic finesse.

Food pairings

• Lamb chops: the meat’s juiciness and the wine’s delicacy naturally complement each other.
• Leg of lamb: the silky texture of the Pinot Noir wraps the tender meat and highlights its nobility.
• Rack of lamb: the finesse of the tannins matches the aromatic length of the cut.
• Game birds: pheasant, partridge or quail find a partner of remarkable precision.

Occasions to enjoy

This 1er Cru is the ideal companion:

• To elevate a gastronomic dinner where precision in pairing is paramount.
• During a Sunday lunch centred on a lamb roast, seeking elegance without ostentation.
• As a gift for an enthusiast destined for a gourmand appreciative of Burgundy’s great terroirs.

Details

• Name : Bouchard Père & Fils, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Noirots 2021
• Appellation : Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru AOC
• Type : Red wine, Pinot Noir
• Vintage : 2021
• Grape : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Terroir : stony clay-limestone soils, Les Noirots climat
• Winemaking : hand-harvested, strict sorting, total or partial destemming, fermentation in small vessels, maceration 15 to 20 days
• Aging : 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, 40 to 50% new
• Alcohol : 13.5%
• Cellaring : until 2031
• Serving temperature : 17–18°C