Chanson : Charmes-Chambertin Grand cru 2018

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 - Chanson

Tasting

Color

The color shows a deep ruby red hue with subtle purple highlights at the rim.

Nose

The nose gradually opens up, revealing lovely aromatic complexity. Notes of red fruits lead the way, with aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and tangy cherry. Floral touches of violet intertwine with earthy and mineral nuances, evoking the limestone and clay of the terroir. With aeration, notes of black licorice, subtle vanilla and dried herbs enrich the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a remarkable balance between concentration and delicacy. The texture is both rounded and precise, with layers of cherry and red fruits unfolding into a long finish. The tannins are refined and elegant, perfectly integrated. The medium-bodied structure preserves the wine’s freshness and energy, while the lingering finish extends the red-fruit aromas with a hint of spice.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 pairs beautifully with roasted or braised poultry, notably duck, chicken and pigeon. It also matches well with roasted lamb, feathered game, as well as lightly grilled tuna or salmon preparations. Fine charcuterie, cooked mushrooms and soft, creamy cheeses also make excellent pairings.

Serving and Cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. Decanting one to two hours before serving will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now, while also offering cellaring potential through around 2043 under optimal storage conditions.

A Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru Combining Elegance and Burgundian Complexity

The Estate

Founded in 1750 in Beaune, the Domaine Chanson now spans 88 hectares across the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise. Based in a historic 16th-century bastion that houses its cellars, this House favors parcel-by-parcel vinification by climat. Owned by the Bollinger group since 1999, Chanson has developed its vineyard, obtained organic certification in 2024 on the Côte de Beaune, and has been led since 2025 by Thierry Berger.

The Vineyard

Charmes-Chambertin is the largest Grand Cru in Gevrey-Chambertin, covering around 27.54 hectares. Located on the lower slopes of the Côte de Nuits, just below the famous Chambertin and adjacent to Griotte-Chambertin, the vineyard benefits from a distinctive geographical position. The soils show a mixed composition, with brown alluvial soils and colluvial deposits on the upper part, while the lower parcels reveal limestone outcrops combined with clays and marls. This geological diversity gives the wines a complex aromatic expression and a characteristic freshness.

The Vintage

The 2018 vintage established itself as the hottest year ever recorded in Burgundy, with average temperatures 2°C above historical norms. The growing season began with significant rainfall, followed by a prolonged hot period and a phase of drought. Despite these extreme conditions, the harvest, which began on September 1, made it possible to pick grapes of excellent quality. The vintage produced wines combining aromatic richness, balanced structure and sufficient freshness to ensure fine aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

For this Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Chanson applied its winemaking philosophy that favors infusion over extraction. The grapes were quickly cooled upon arrival at the winery thanks to a tunnel system that eliminates any exposure to oxygen. Vinification was carried out with a significant proportion of whole clusters, followed by an extended cold soak. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts. Aging continued for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels with a moderate proportion of new oak, preserving the expression of the terroir. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel on fine lees.

Grape Variety

100% Pinot Noir