Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
Permitted Varieties
Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
Overview
Gevrey-Chambertin is the largest and most powerful commune of the Côte de Nuits, home to nine Grand Crus including the legendary Chambertin—Napoleon’s favorite wine. This historic village produces Pinot Noir of exceptional depth and structure, often described as the most “masculine” of Burgundy’s great communes. With more Grand Crus than any other village and a reputation spanning centuries, Gevrey-Chambertin represents the powerful, age-worthy side of Burgundy that has inspired collectors and connoisseurs for generations.
Geography & Climate
Location: Côte de Nuits; northern end; largest commune
Size: ~530 ha total (largest Côte de Nuits commune)
Elevation: 250-330m (820-1,080 ft)
Climate: Continental
- Growing Degree Days: 1,350-1,500 GDD
- Rainfall: 700-800mm
- Exposure: East to southeast
Topography: Wide commune
- Grand Crus on mid-slope
- Village wines extend into valley
- Quality varies significantly
- Largest ≠ most consistent
Soil Types:
- Limestone (upper; Grand Cru)
- Marl (mid-slope)
- Clay (lower; village)
- Iron-rich (some)
Key Characteristic: Wide terroir range = style diversity + quality variation.
Grand Crus (9 Sites)
The Magnificent Nine:
| Vineyard | Size | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Chambertin | 12.9 ha | The benchmark; Napoleon’s wine |
| Chambertin-Clos de Bèze | 15.4 ha | Equals Chambertin; historic |
| Latricières-Chambertin | 7.4 ha | Elegant; perfumed |
| Mazoyères-Chambertin | 18.6 ha | Full; generous |
| Charmes-Chambertin | 30.8 ha | Largest; approachable |
| Mazis-Chambertin | 9.1 ha | Powerful; tannic |
| Ruchottes-Chambertin | 3.3 ha | Smallest; mineral |
| Griotte-Chambertin | 2.7 ha | Cherry-scented; rare |
| Chapelle-Chambertin | 5.5 ha | Elegant; refined |
Chambertin: The name all others hyphenate with; benchmark power.
Premier Crus (26 sites)
Notable Premier Crus:
| Vineyard | Character |
|---|---|
| Clos Saint-Jacques | Grand Cru quality |
| Les Cazetiers | Structured; powerful |
| Lavaux Saint-Jacques | Elegant |
| Combe aux Moines | Classic |
Clos Saint-Jacques: Considered Grand Cru quality; owned by 5 top producers.
Wine Style
Red (100% Pinot Noir)
Character: Powerful, structured, deep
- Black cherry, blackberry
- Earth, leather
- Firm structure
- Age-worthy
- “Masculine” Burgundy
Style Comparison:
| Commune | Character |
|---|---|
| Gevrey-Chambertin | Powerful, structured |
| Chambolle-Musigny | Elegant, perfumed |
| Vosne-Romanée | Velvety, complex |
Classification & Regulations
Burgundy Hierarchy:
| Level | Number |
|---|---|
| Grand Cru | 9 |
| Premier Cru | 26 |
| Village | Remainder |
Yields: Max 40 hl/ha (village); lower for GC
History
Timeline:
- 640 AD: Abbey of Bèze planted
- Medieval: Chambertin fame established
- Napoleon: Famous devotion to Chambertin
- 1847: Village adds “Chambertin” to name
- 1936: AOC established
- Today: Powerful Burgundy benchmark
Napoleon: Reportedly wouldn’t travel without Chambertin; only wine he drank.
Key Constraints & Production Notes
Terroir Navigation:
- Wide quality spectrum
- Village wines variable
- Grand Cru/Premier Cru more consistent
- Producer selection critical
Winemaking:
- Often more extraction
- French oak aging
- Extended maceration
- Benefits from cellaring
Aging Potential:
- Village: 8-15 years
- Premier Cru: 12-25 years
- Grand Cru: 20-50+ years
Notable Producers
Quality Benchmarks:
- Domaine Armand Rousseau (benchmark)
- Domaine Denis Mortet
- Domaine Dugat-Py
- Domaine Claude Dugat
- Domaine Fourrier
- Domaine Trapet
- Domaine Rossignol-Trapet
- Joseph Roty
- Domaine Drouhin-Laroze
- Lucien Boillot
Armand Rousseau: Defines Gevrey; owns significant Grand Cru holdings; benchmark estate.
The Chambertin Legend
Napoleon’s Wine
Historical Prestige:
- Emperor’s favorite
- Demanded it on campaigns
- Symbol of French greatness
- Marketing before marketing existed
Modern Status: Among Burgundy’s most sought-after Grand Crus.
Common Challenges
Quality Variation
- Cause: Large commune; varied terroir.
- Risk: Inconsistent village level.
- Response: Focus on Premier/Grand Cru; know producers.
Chambertin Hierarchy
- Cause: 9 Grand Crus with “Chambertin” name.
- Risk: Confusion.
- Response: Chambertin and Clos de Bèze = top; others vary.
Food Pairing
Classic Matches:
- Coq au vin
- Game (venison, pheasant)
- Beef dishes
- Époisses, Ami du Chambertin cheese
- Rich cuisine
References
-
INAO (2025). “Gevrey-Chambertin AOC Cahier des Charges.” Link
-
BIVB (Burgundy Wine Board).
-
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: INAO, BIVB
Research Grade: Technical reference