Wines Chambolle-Musigny Domaine Ghislaine Barthod - Les Charmes - 1991

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Ghislaine Barthod’s 1991 Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru “Les Charmes” epitomises the finesse and elegance so characteristic of this celebrated Burgundian appellation. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, harvested from the distinguished Les Charmes vineyard, this wine benefits from mature vines and meticulous, low-intervention vinification. The 1991 vintage was marked by challenging weather conditions in Burgundy, yet dedicated growers like Ghislaine Barthod managed to coax impressive structure and aromatic complexity from their grapes, resulting in wines of nuance and longevity. With over three decades of evolution, expect this wine to display a complex bouquet of dried rose petals, sous-bois, cherry compote and a hint of truffle, supported by a silky, fine-grained tannic structure and a lingering, harmonious finish—classic hallmarks of mature Chambolle-Musigny.

Chambolle-Musigny lies in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, famed for producing some of the world’s most elegant and perfumed expressions of Pinot Noir. The local terroir, with its limestone-rich soils overlaid by clay and pebbles, endows the wines with both refined minerality and aromatic delicacy. The cool continental climate ensures grapes ripen slowly, encouraging the development of complex flavours while retaining vibrant acidity. Steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition, the appellation is celebrated for its ability to yield Pinot Noir of extraordinary grace, where power and perfume are in perfect harmony.

To best showcase its subtlety and maturity, this wine is an exceptional partner to refined dishes such as roasted duck breast with cherries, pigeon in red wine sauce, or veal medallions with morel mushrooms. Regional Burgundian cuisine, like coq au vin or oeufs en meurette, would also highlight its savoury and earthy character. For vegetarians, try it with wild mushroom risotto or a delicate truffle-infused polenta.

This 1991 Chambolle-Musigny should be served at a temperature of 16-17°C. Allow it ample time to breathe in a large Burgundy glass, ideally decanting for around 30 minutes before serving to fully reveal its intricate bouquet and evolved palate. Enjoy the wine in its prime, savouring the testament it offers to both vineyard and vigneron.