Wines Charmes-Chambertin Domaine Joseph Roty - Tres Vieilles Vignes - 1988

Viniou Reviews

The 1988 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru “Cuvée Très Vieilles Vignes” by Domaine Joseph Roty is a wine of remarkable pedigree and character. Sourced from some of the oldest vines in the prestigious Charmes-Chambertin appellation, this wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir, Burgundian royalty, with the “Très Vieilles Vignes” moniker indicating extraordinary vine age—often 70 years or more. The 1988 vintage was marked by a classic season: a modest spring followed by a dry, warm summer, producing grapes with ripe tannins, deep concentration, and fine acidity. Domaine Joseph Roty is revered for traditional vinification, favouring minimal intervention and extended élevage that bring out the nuance and longevity in their wines. In its prime, this bottle would display aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, truffle, undergrowth, and subtle spice with a patina of earth and leather.

La Côte de Nuits, nestled in northern Burgundy, is a hallowed ground for Pinot Noir. Its slopes are dappled with limestone and clay, imparting finesse and structure to the wines. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate: cold winters, hot summers, and often capricious weather in spring and early autumn. This terroir, along with centuries of lore and patience, underpins some of the world’s most sought-after reds. Charmes-Chambertin itself is famed for expressing the silkier, more seductive side of Gevrey-Chambertin, often balanced between power and elegance.

A mature Charmes-Chambertin such as this is best paired with dishes that echo both its earthiness and refined complexity. Consider classic Burgundian fare like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, which complement the wine’s savoury, forest-floor notes. Game birds with wild mushrooms, roast duck, or a simple truffled risotto would also bring forward the wine’s subtle tertiary characters. For cheese, opt for aged Burgundian Époisses or a well-matured Comté.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Given its venerable age, carefully decant for a short period—30 minutes at most—to preserve the delicate aromas, and consider using large Burgundy glasses to fully appreciate its bouquet and layered palate. This is a bottle to savour contemplatively, ideally shared with those who appreciate the rarefied pleasures of mature Burgundy.