Wines Gevrey-Chambertin Jean Bouchard - Petite Chapelle - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Jean Bouchard’s Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru “Cuvée Petite Chapelle” 2018 is a superb expression of Pinot Noir from one of the most celebrated appellations in Burgundy. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this wine hails from a select Premier Cru parcel in the Côte de Nuits, where the terroir is renowned for producing wines of great finesse and complexity. The 2018 vintage benefitted from an exceptionally warm and balanced growing season, resulting in fruit of remarkable concentration and aromatic purity. The vinification favours gentle extraction, with meticulous handling to express the subtle nuances of the site, followed by maturation in French oak that imparts elegance without overpowering the wine’s natural profile.

Gevrey-Chambertin occupies a prestigious place within Burgundy, on the northern reaches of the Côte de Nuits. The vineyards here rest upon clay-limestone soils, their rocky substrata contributing structure and minerality. The region enjoys a cool continental climate, which allows for slow, balanced ripening of Pinot Noir, preserving its signature acidity and fragrance. Gevrey-Chambertin itself has a distinguished history, its vineyards once prized by monks and nobility alike. The “Petite Chapelle” Premier Cru, adjacent to the renowned “Chapelle-Chambertin” Grand Cru, is distinguished by its south-easterly aspect and well-draining soils, lending wines a seductive combination of depth, fine tannins, and vibrant red fruit.

To enjoy this wine at its best, pair it with refined, savoury dishes such as duck breast with a cherry reduction, roasted rack of lamb with herbs, or a traditional Boeuf Bourguignon. Classic regional matches like coq au vin or game bird with wild mushrooms also allow the wine’s earthy undertones to shine. For cheese, opt for a delicate, creamy cow’s milk cheese such as Brillat-Savarin.

Serve Jean Bouchard’s Gevrey-Chambertin “Cuvée Petite Chapelle” at 16-17°C, having allowed it to breathe for an hour. This enhances its layered bouquet—ripe raspberry, black cherry, violet, and subtle spice—while softening the tannins for a silky, harmonious palate.