Domaine Hudelot-Baillet’s Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2021 is a quintessential expression of Burgundy’s elegance and subtlety. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, the hallmark grape of the region, this cuvée is sourced from some of the domaine’s oldest vines, affording the wine a complexity and a structure that is both refined and persistent. The 2021 vintage was marked by a challenging growing season, with cool weather and periods of frost resulting in lower yields but concentrating flavour and aromatic intensity. Careful vinification, often including partial whole bunch fermentation and considered use of oak, highlights the delicate fruit and mineral nuances inherent to Chambolle-Musigny.
Chambolle-Musigny lies at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, renowned for producing some of Burgundy’s most perfumed and graceful red wines. The shallow, well-drained soils here, rich in limestone with a sprinkling of clay, contribute to the signature finesse and litheness of the wines. The region’s relatively cool continental climate, moderated by sheltering hillsides, preserves a vibrant acidity and aromatic lift in the finished wines. Chambolle-Musigny itself has a storied history, prized for centuries for the subtlety and silkiness of its reds, which are often regarded as the most ethereal of the Côte de Nuits.
Pairing this wine invites both traditional and refined cuisine. Its supple tannins and vivid red fruit aromas—think wild strawberry, raspberry, and hints of violet—are a natural partner for duck breast with a cherry glaze, roast squab, or veal medallions in a morel cream sauce. Regionally-inspired options such as coq au vin or oeufs en meurette allow the wine to shine alongside earthy, savoury flavours without overpowering them. Aged cheeses like Comté or Brillat-Savarin can also complement its texture and aromatic complexity.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2021 for an hour to gently aerate and release its bouquet. Serve at 15-17°C to allow the delicate perfume, nuanced minerality, and silky palate to express themselves fully. This wine may be enjoyed now for its youthful freshness or cellared for several years to witness its evolution towards greater complexity and tertiary notes.
