📜 Griotte-Chambertin

Griotte-Chambertin is one of the smallest red grand crus of Burgundy. It lies in the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin, in the Côte de Nuits, and covers only a few hectares. The name is protected as a PDO, a protected designation of origin.

The wines are red and still, made from Pinot Noir. The word "griotte" recalls the griotte cherry, which is considered a typical aroma of this wine. The limestone soils of the slope and the even lie of the vineyards give the wine finesse and perfume.

Other famous grand crus of the commune lie nearby, but Griotte-Chambertin stands out for its small area. There are few producers, so there is little wine and the prices are high.

The appellation belongs to the Côte de Nuits, the most famous part of Burgundy for red wines. As everywhere in Burgundy, the place matters on the label more than the grape: it is named first. The wine is usually opened after several years of bottle ageing.

Griotte-Chambertin is the smallest of the nine grand crus of Gevrey-Chambertin, about 2.7 hectares, and only red wine is made. The vines fill a shell-shaped hollow where the soil is thin and stony, in places no more than 30 cm deep. All nine grand crus of the commune stand on hard Bajocian crinoidal limestone. Among the houses that bottle a Griotte-Chambertin is Joseph Drouhin.