2018 Domaine Faiveley Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

This Grand Cru is very charmingly located in the northern part of the Côte d'Or, in the town of Gevrey-Chambertin. The production areas of the Charmes-Chambertin and Chambertin-Mazoyères appellations are the same, but the name Charmes-Chambertin is usually claimed. Domaine Faiveley owns 81a of the total 30ha83a. The vineyards have an eastern exposition.

The vines were planted in 1949, 1955, 1966 and 1983 with a maximum annual production of around 37hl/ha. The hand-picked harvest is first subjected to a short pre-fermentation before being vinified. Vinification is partly done in wooden barrels in the shape of a truncated cone. After the pulp fermentation (15-18 days), they use a vertical press that ensures an extremely pure and high-quality juice. The wine is then aged in oak barrels in 19th-century vaulted cellars that provide ideal conditions for aging for 16 to 18 months. The ratio of new barrels, which can vary from year to year, is on average 2/3. These barrels, of excellent quality, have been carefully selected for their fine grain and slightly toasty character.

The 2018 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is one of the highlights of Faiveley's portfolio, brimming with aromas of wild berries, orange peel, incense and smoked meats. In the mouth it is full, fleshy and textured, with a concentration of old vines, broad shoulders and a long finish. While this is a muscular, serious Charms, it is also very elegantly rendered.

About Faiveley

The history of Domaine Faiveley dates back to 1825. Family owned for 7 generations, the domain is located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of Burgundy. 127 hectares of vineyards, spread over the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise, of which 12 vineyards with Grand Cru classification, 25 with Premier Cru classification and 6 vineyards with a "Monopole" classification. The estate is managed by Erwan Faiveley, who manages the work in the vineyards in-house to maintain control over the quality of the grapes. The hand-picked harvest is carefully transported to vaulted cellars from the 19th century, located in Nuits-Saint-Georges. To make great Burgundy, Erwan Faiveley combines the principles of modern oenology with traditional aging in French oak barrels. All this contributes to Faiveley wines being highly regarded.