Chambertin-Clos de Bèze

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Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is a grand cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits located near the town of Gevrey-Chambertin. The vineyard is known primarily for its Pinot noir production.[1] The vineyard encompasses 38 acres (15.4 ha) situated further up the hillside from the Chambertin Grand cru. Under Appellation d'origine contrôlée laws some wine from this vineyard maybe labeled as just Le Chambertin and the quality between the two grand crus are very similar. The slight difference between the crus derives from the deeper sub-soil of Le Chambertin which makes those wines a little more brawny with slightly higher alcohol and tannin content then wines from the Clos de Bèze.[2] From this grand cru the wines are expected to have some finesse to compensate for it relatively low body and be able to reach its peak between 12-30 years.[3] AOC requirements include a minimum alcohol percent by volume of 11.5% and harvest yields of no more than 35 hl/ha.[4]

[edit] History

The vineyard was first cultivated by the Cistercian nuns of Notre Dame de Tart and named for the Abbey of Bèze.[5] It was under the ownership of the Cathedral at Langres until it was sold in 1651 to a Dijon merchant. From then on till the end of the 17th century wines from this cru were known as vins de Dijon.[6]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ K. MacNeil The Wine Bible pg 191-195 Workman Publishing 2001 ISBN 1563054345
  2. ^ J. Robinson (ed) "The Oxford Companion to Wine" Third Edition pg 313 Oxford University Press 2006 ISBN 0198609906
  3. ^ T. Stevenson "The Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia" pg 146 Dorling Kindersley 2005 ISBN 0756613248
  4. ^ P. Saunders Wine Label Language pg 49 Firefly Books 2004 ISBN 1552977200
  5. ^ H. Johnson Vintage: The Story of Wine pg 132 Simon and Schuster 1989 ISBN 0671687026
  6. ^ H. Johnson Vintage: The Story of Wine pg 269-270 Simon and Schuster 1989 ISBN 0671687026