Collection: Chambertin and Charmes: The Top Producers

Immediately south of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, the famous route des grands crus passes through some of the region’s noblest Grands Crus. Going south towards Morey-St-Denis, on the right side, up the slope, is Chambertin Clos de Bèze and then Chambertin itself. On the left side of the road, lower down, is the large Charmes-Chambertin vineyard. The width of a two-lane road separates the two, but the style is very different.

Examples of Chambertin from the likes of Perrot-Minot (an overlooked producer making outstanding wine) and the leader of the appellation, Armand Rousseau, showcase the mineral intensity and precision that characterizes the wines of Chambertin. Fourrier and van Canneyt, meanwhile, make beautifully supple, aromatic examples with deceptive depth.

Charmes-Chambertin, meanwhile, as the name suggests, produces charming wines; accessible while young, loose-knit and less tannic than Chambertin. This large site has a score of excellent producers, of which we stock a good range. As a value option, Coquard-Loison-Fleurot offers a great introduction to the site. Dugat and Roumier both make celebrated examples, but insiders are now well aware of the brilliance of the Dugat-Py wines. If you are not familiar with this small domaine, the Charmes is an exemplary place to start.