At the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the Les Charmes climat embodies the singular grace that makes Chambolle-Musigny one of the prime homes of Pinot Noir. In the 2018 vintage, Domaine Louis Latour offers a broad yet precise interpretation, where the elegance of the fruit marries the depth of the terroir. On clay-limestone soils, mature vines deliver a tactile finesse reminiscent of silk, while careful aging in French oak barrels refines the contours and guides the wine toward superior harmony. This cuvée is aimed at lovers looking for pure emotion and caressing textures, those who seek a 1er Cru that is both luminous and structured, able to accompany refined cuisine or stand on its own in a contemplative moment. Les Charmes 2018 combines aromatic brilliance, length and depth, distinguished by admirable poise from the attack to the finish, like a carefully performed score serving the truth of the place.

Blend and winemaking

Produced exclusively from Pinot Noir, this Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2018 highlights the precision of meticulous work. The grapes, hand-harvested, come from vines rooted in clay-limestone soil that promotes fine berry grain and natural elegance. Vinification takes place in open vats following a traditional approach, allowing controlled extraction of colour and tannins, while malolactic fermentation is carried out in full to soften the framework and round the edges. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, about 40% new, made by the Louis Latour cooperage with a medium toast, ensuring a discreet, precise and well-integrated oak. This craftsmanlike care lets the character of the generous, concentrated 2018 vintage speak, without ever altering the purity of the fruit or the floral, airy signature commonly associated with Chambolle-Musigny.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Deep with garnet highlights, glossy and profound, announcing concentrated material and a nuanced mouthfeel.
• Nose : Black cherry and Morello cherry mingle with notes of toasted bread and clove, with a hint of violet, a whisper of undergrowth and an elegant smoky thread.
• Palate : Velvety attack, a fresh backbone perfectly balanced. Blackcurrant, liquorice and mocha unfold a deep palette. The chiselled tannins extend into a persistent finish where dark fruit and fine spices intertwine with distinction.

Serving temperature & tips

Serve this Premier Cru between 15 and 17°C in large Burgundy glasses to highlight its aromas and reveal its silky texture. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes allows the bouquet to open and display its black cherry and gentle spice notes. Store bottles on their side, away from light, in a cool, healthy cellar. The cellaring potential is around 7 to 10 years, with a peak period that enhances balsamic complexity and tannin integration. This wine is very approachable in its youth but gains depth and smoothness after a few years of rest.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : Comté gougères, delicate mushroom tartlets, thin slices of ham in parsley jelly.
• Starters : free-range poultry with morels, game terrine, mushroom risotto.
• Main courses : truffled duck shepherd's pie, roast capon, woodcock salmi, wild boar with cranberries.
• Cheeses : Brillat-Savarin, other creamy bloomy-rind cheeses, matured Comté.
• Desserts : poached pear with warm spices, lightly sweetened black fruit cream.

Occasions

This Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes 2018 is the ideal companion for :

• Celebrating a gourmet dinner where the grace of Pinot Noir complements inspired cuisine.
• During a tasting among enthusiasts curious about Burgundy climats and their nuances.
• As a choice gift, reflecting a refined lifestyle and thoughtful attention.

Details

• Name : Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes 2018, Louis Latour
• Appellation : Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape variety : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Alcohol : Not disclosed
• Aging : 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, about 40% new, medium toast
• Capacity : Not disclosed
• Cellaring : 7 to 10 years
• Serving temperature : 15–17°C