Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru „Aux Combottes“ AOC 2018

Wine Description for Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru „Aux Combottes“ AOC 2018 by Hubert Lignier

Character

Domaine Hubert Lignier belongs to those tradition-conscious producers in Gevrey-Chambertin who have made Burgundy what it is today. The Premier Cru „Aux Combottes“ lies immediately below the legendary Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru and benefits from similar geological conditions. This wine from the outstanding 2018 vintage embodies the classic Gevrey structure: powerful, yet never heavy, with that mineral depth which only the finest vineyard sites of this appellation can produce.

Terroir & Origin

The „Aux Combottes“ vineyard site extends over just 5 hectares on the southern edge of Gevrey-Chambertin, directly bordering Morey-Saint-Denis. The calcareous clay soils with a high stone content ensure excellent drainage and impart a distinctive mineral character to the Pinot Noir. The year 2018 was characterised in Burgundy by warm, dry weather, which resulted in concentrated, ripe grapes whilst maintaining good acidity structure – a vintage for those with patience.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Hubert Lignier, who has since handed the estate to his son Laurent, stands for purist Burgundy style. The Pinot Noir is fermented with natural yeasts, maturation takes place traditionally in French oak barrels, with new oak kept moderate so as not to mask the fruit and terroir. The house philosophy: intervention only where necessary, patience everywhere. The result is wines of authentic expressiveness, which require time to mature.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine of this calibre demands appropriate culinary accompaniment: Coq au Vin, pink roasted duck breast with cherry sauce, Bœuf Bourguignon or even aged Époisses are classic companions. It also harmonises beautifully with game dishes, such as venison loin with root vegetables, or braised veal. The wine’s structure can handle bold flavours without being overshadowed.