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
2012 Vintage Report:
The Burgundy winter had only one very cold period with negative temperatures day and night during a fortnight in February. Some damage caused by ice was noticed. Spring arrived very quickly with the month of March being unusually warm. In these conditions the vines developed very quickly but then slowed down again due to cold and rainy conditions in April and May.
Flowering began at the end of May, the temperatures being, once again, warm for the season. The weather then turned unstable with sporadic violent hail storms. Flowering did not take place in the best conditions and we noticed a high percentage of millerandage (small grape clusters). From then on, we knew the expected yields would be small.
The summer months also proved unstable with periods of great sunshine alternating with storms. Certain areas of the Côte de Beaune; Puligny, Meursault and Volnay were particularly hit by hail and up to 80% of the harvest was damaged. The last days of August became summery with temperatures reaching their peak in Burgundy. Although it had rained in southern Burgundy, the Chablis area, in contrast benefited from dry conditions and it was only in mid-September that the rain returned.
At the start of the harvest it was noticed that the bunches were well aerated, due to the millerandage, and well spaced out between them.The harvest started at the Domaine around the 19th of September in Cote D'Or, and on the 24th of September in Chablis.
The vineyards not affected by hail produced very low yields in Côte de Beaune, and fairly low yields in Côte de Nuits. The vines affected by hail suffered even more.
On a positive note, there was no rot this year. All of the berries, white as well as red, have a thick skin and a high proportion of millerands (small berries with very concentrated juice).
The vinifications went smoothly, extraction of colour and tannins happening quickly, our main task being to ensure the right balance and elegance.
In our hands we have the potential for a very great vintage, but in exceptionally small quantities.
Frédéric J. DROUHIN
December 17th 2012
Vintage 2012
2012 was beset by unusual weather that didn’t spare the vines! A mild winter, spring-like March, cool spring with frosts, summer-like May, cooler, wetter June, a variable summer with heatwaves, hail and storms… Because of the cold damp spring, some of the vine flowers didn’t set and form fruit, there was millerandage (where the flowers aren’t fully fertilised and give small berries) and high pressure from mildew and odium. Temperatures went right up during the short periods, over-heating and scorching the berries. This weather caused a significant fall in yields, without, however, impacting on the quality of the grapes, as well spread out bunches with small berries guarantee concentration and intensity.
All in all, the grapes achieved good ripeness in aromas and good sugar to acidity balance. The white wines are characterised by their finesse and concentration. The reds set themselves apart with their lovely colours, ripe and silky tannins and their harmonious mouthfeel
