In the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Chatelots 2020 from Domaine Louis Latour stands out as a masterly interpretation of Pinot Noir. Sourced from vines of around 35 years on clay-limestone soils, this wine draws its poise from a finely chiselled terroir, with yields deliberately controlled at about 35 hl/ha. Hand-picked, it follows a traditional open-vat vinification and undergoes a complete malolactic fermentation, ensuring a silky frame and perfectly balanced harmony. The 10 to 12 months' ageing in French oak barrels, including 40% new from the Louis Latour cooperage, brings subtle complexity, a breath of spice and fruity depth without ever masking the purity of the fruit. Its aromatic signature, both precise and nuanced, blends black cherry and Morello cherry with notes of clove and liquorice. On the palate the wine unfolds with admirable structure, like a silk ribbon with gastronomic reflections. Rated 91/100 by La Revue du Vin de France, this Premier Cru claims with finesse its stature among fine wines, between site character and careful élevage.

Blend and winemaking

Produced exclusively from Pinot Noir harvested on the Les Chatelots climat in Chambolle-Musigny, this 1er Cru benefits from a respectful approach to raw material. Manual, selective picking preserves the integrity of the berries. Traditional open-vat fermentation encourages a delicate extraction of tannins, ensuring a fine, elegant texture. The 100% malolactic fermentation adds roundness and cohesion, while the 10 to 12 months ageing in French oak barrels, with 40% new from the Louis Latour cooperage, refines the wine's grain. Soft spice notes intertwine with the fruit flesh without masking it. True to the House's ethic, the élevage supports a precise architecture, an underlying freshness and a distinctly balanced finish.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep ruby with luminous highlights, clear and bright, promising a fine texture and perfectly achieved ripeness.
• Nose : Basket of black cherry and Morello cherry, lifted by accents of clove and a clear touch of liquorice. The élevage suggests a nuance of gentle spice, perfectly integrated.
• Palate : Velvety attack, rounded tannins, a pulpy Morello cherry fruit core, spiced thread, precise and mouth-watering length. A tactile silk-like sensation supported by digestible freshness and a persistent finish.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve between 15 and 17°C in Burgundy-style wine glasses to showcase the aromatic opening and delicate texture. Moderate aeration allows the bouquet to develop nuances without disturbing the Pinot Noir's finesse. Store in a cellar away from temperature fluctuations, bottle on its side, to preserve the harmonious evolution of this 1er Cru. Its cellaring potential of 7 to 10 years allows enjoyment now for its fruit as well as a deeper patina over time.

Food pairings

• Festive poultry : roasted capon with its jus and seasonal garnishes that respect the wine's finesse.
• Feathered game : woodcock or similar in a rich sauce for an intense dialogue with the wine.
• Regional cuisine : truffled duck parmentier, a voluptuous match with the Morello cherry and spice.
• Game (red meat) : wild boar with lingonberries, fruity lift and savoury flesh for a sustained finish.
• Cheeses : Brillat-Savarin, creamy and unctuous, which enhances its silky texture.

Occasions

The Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Chatelots 2020 is the ideal companion for:

• Gastronomic dinners where the Pinot Noir is at once lace and depth.
• As a cellar piece to age 7 to 10 years to explore its emerging complexity.
• As a connoisseur's gift to celebrate the art of living French-style, between sharing and emotion.

Details

• Name : Domaine Louis Latour, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Chatelots 2020
• Appellation : Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru AOC, Côte de Nuits
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2020
• Grape : Pinot Noir (100%)
• Terroir : clay-limestone soils, vines around 35 years old
• Yield : about 35 hl/ha
• Harvest : manual, parcel selection
• Winemaking : traditional open-vat fermentation, 100% malolactic
• Aging : 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, Louis Latour cooperage
• Serving temperature : 15–17°C
• Cellaring : 7 to 10 years
• Accolade : 91/100, La Revue du Vin de France
• Volume : 75 cl