Faiveley Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes 2021

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Faiveley has remained a family-owned estate for seven generations. With over 125 hectares of vineyards, it is one of the largest vineyard owners in Burgundy. The domaine’s holdings include prestigious Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Under the leadership of Erwan Faiveley since 2005, the estate has embraced sustainable viticulture and modernized winemaking techniques, enhancing the quality and reputation of its wines.

Producer and Winemaker

Erwan Faiveley, representing the seventh generation of the Faiveley family, has been instrumental in elevating the estate’s stature. Collaborating with Technical Director Jérôme Flous, the team emphasizes precision in both vineyard management and winemaking. Their approach focuses on minimal intervention, allowing each wine to express its unique origin. The duo’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures that Domaine Faiveley’s wines consistently showcase elegance, depth, and a true sense of place.

Vineyards and Microclimate

Les Charmes is a Premier Cru vineyard located in the Chambolle-Musigny appellation of the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy. Known for its limestone-rich soils and favorable southeast exposure, this vineyard produces wines with finesse and aromatic complexity. The microclimate benefits from a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cool winters, ideal for Pinot Noir cultivation. Domaine Faiveley’s holdings in Les Charmes are managed with sustainable practices to preserve the unique terroir.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a meticulous sorting process. Fermentation occurs in open wooden vats with regular punch-downs to extract color and tannins. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, with 40-50% new oak, to enhance structure and complexity. This careful vinification and aging process aims to preserve the wine’s purity and express the unique terroir of Les Charmes.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes exhibits a deep ruby red color. The nose reveals complex aromas of fresh red fruits, sweet spices, oaky notes, and a touch of smoke. On the palate, it is smooth and persistent, with fruity, oaky notes that linger on the finish. This wine is remarkably elegant, with silky smooth tannins and a very distinctive finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Premier Cru Pinot Noir pairs excellently with dishes such as roast duck fillet, truffle risotto, or game birds. Its elegant structure and complex flavors also complement aged cheeses like Comté or Époisses. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with mushroom risotto or lentil stew to highlight the wine’s earthy undertones.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16°C to 17°C (61°F to 63°F) in large Burgundy-style glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. Decanting for 1 hour is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its nuanced flavors.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2021 vintage has excellent aging potential, expected to evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years, developing greater complexity and depth over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90–92

• Robert Parker: 90–92