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Wine Description
The Story
The village of Chambolle-Musigny lies in the very heart of the Côte de Nuits. The Musigny vineyards lie above the Clos de Vougeot between the Premier Cru climat Les Amoureuses and the Grand Cru Échezeaux. The altitude varies from 260 to nearly 300 m. The southern portion rises towards the plot known as Combe d'Orveau which marks the boundary between Musigny and Flagey-Échezeaux.
The Musigny family, which gave its name to the appellation, is now extinct but held important posts at the court of the Dukes of Burgundy in the 14th century. The boundaries of the USIGNY appellation were formally laid down on 16 April 1929, before the advent of the AOC system. It has always been a Grand Cru.
The gradient on this rocky limestone terrace is quite steep (8-14%). The soils, though not deep, are enriched by red clay in the upper section and are generally more clayey and less limey than the neighbouring Grands Crus. The rocks are of Jurassic origin (approx. 150 million years BC).
Red: this brilliant scion of the Côte de Nuits family has a preference for meat - natural enough given the power of its tannins and the lingering complexity of its aromas. But its individuality rests on the breadth of its sensuality in the mouth and the distinction that results from this. This lends it a particular affinity for fine poultry (roasted or stuffed) and feathered game in sauce, braised or - better still - patiently roasted. Glazed duck and crispy roast lamb would be at ease with this iconic burgundy, while cheeses like Cîteaux, Coulommiers or Brie de Meaux will also respond to its generous character.
Serving temperature: 14 to 16 °C
White: if by good fortune you should ever find yourself in the presence of a white Musigny, match it with only the most delicate of dishes - lobster, crawfish, or freshwater crayfish with a butter, cream, and truffle sauce (sauce nantua).
Serving temperature: 12 to 14 °C
Wine Information
Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin, Maison Joseph Drouhin has always been led by members of the Drouhin family. For more than a century, the grapes have come from vineyards that have been meticulously selected owing to their perfect exposition, unique character and reputation. Four generations of Joseph Drouhin family have built up a large and one of the most prestigious wine estates in Burgundy.
Maison Joseph Drouhin is resolutely committed to a strict observance of tradition and respect for the heritage of Burgundy. The estate comprises 72 hectares of vineyards among the greatest appellations. The true amateur will discover in these wines the Drouhin signature: the originality of the terroir, the finesse of the aromas, the elegance and harmony of the structure and the style of the vintage.
The use of biological methods is a profound conviction at Joseph Drouhin. An organic approach, discreet and natural so to let the wine express herself at her best. For many years now, Joseph Drouhin has been experimenting biodynamic methods. Their winemaking process can be described by vigilance, common sense and gentleness in order to allow the wines to express their very best. The mission is to unfold the greatness of Burgundy.
Soil: a mix of lime-stone with varying amounts of clay
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir
Harvest method: hand picked
Winemaking: Fermentation and maceration are traditional : the grapes ferment in open wooden vats with the cap being regularly punched down and the juice pumped over
Ageing: 18 months in small 228 liter oak barrels, new and old in various proportions depending on appellations and vintages
Maison Joseph Drouhin
7 rue d'Enfer
21201 Beaune Cedex
Tel. + 33 (0)3 80 24 68 88
Fax + 33 (0)3 80 22 43 14
Vintage 2002
2002 VINTAGE in Burgundy
A Great Year
The trade is unanimous: the harvest was exceptional and 2002 is destined to be a great vintage for Burgundy. A dry summer, a sunny September, splendid grapes with highly concentrated sugars - everything came together to produce structured and complex wines with outstanding aromatic potential.
As early as the beginning of September, the sugar content in the grapes was often at exceptionally high levels and they had attained a degree of maturity indicative of a good balance between sugar and acidity in both the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir, as well as in the Gamay and Aligoté.
Well-matured grapes have produced - on the evidence of early tastings - deeply-coloured red wines with a garnet tint, and with really well-structured tannins. Depending on degree of maturity, the wines evoke sustained aromas of red and black fruits. Thanks to yield control and careful harvesting, they present a wide diversity of expression.
The white wines are intense and heady, richly fragrant in their blend of fruit and mineral components. They are rounded, long in the mouth, balanced and harmonious.
Both reds and whites of the 2002 vintage fully express their respective terroirs and promise fine ageing potential.
As Hubert Camus, President of the Interprofession and himself a wine-grower at Gevrey-Chambertin, puts it: "In 2002, Burgundy's growers and négociants have every prospect of obtaining remarkable wines."
Growing conditions during the year were characterised by low rainfall. Maturation took place in warm and sunny weather punctuated by occasional rainstorms. These weather conditions aided concentration in the grapes and kept them healthy. The harvest period enjoyed an ideal combination of sunshine and cool temperatures.