Alex Gambal Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Echanges 2012

Chambolle-Musigny situated between Morey St Denis to the north and Vougeot to its immediate south lies at the base of a small valley or “Combe”. These valleys bisect the Cote D’Or and have the millennium deposited alluvial limestone scree deposits in a fan like manner at the valley floor; a perfect environment for the pinot noir. This small 1er Cru vineyard located in its northern half at the best of one of Chambolle’s Grand Cru vineyards.

Vineyards:

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Age of the Vines: 35years

Area: .1013 ha

Yield: 45 hl/ha

Exposure: South/Southeast

Soil: clay-limestone

Vinification/Barrel Ageing: The grapes were hand picked in small cases on September 23, passed on a sorting table, were 100%  destemmed and fermented in a small wood tank using the grapes natural yeasts. Fermentation lasted 18 days with periodic pumping over and punch downs. We separated the free juice from the solids, pressed the solids in our pneumatic press, reassembled the two and then put in barrel by gravity. The wine was aged and in 50% new oak barrels for 12 months with final 5 months ageing in stainless steel tanks.  

Number of bottles produced: 884

Tasting Notes: Aux Echanges expresses the finesse of Chambolle with a bit of the “sappy” black fruit one finds in Morey St Denis just to the north. The wine has a wonderful dark ruby color with aromas of strawberries, raspberry, spicy pepper and the occasional hint of licorice. The oak is well integrated and the wine is a bit of a paradox; finesse, intensity, concentration and a delicacy all at the same time.

Ageing Potential: 2015-2021

Serve Between: 59 - 61 ° F