Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos Prieur” 1er Cru 2021

Wine Description for Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos Prieur” 1er Cru 2021 by Trapet Père & Fils

Character

Maison Trapet Père & Fils ranks among the most respected addresses in Gevrey-Chambertin and has maintained a purist, terroir-driven approach for generations. The Clos Prieur, one of the smaller Premier Cru sites in the village, sits favourably on the slope and produces wines of remarkable finesse and structure. The 2021 vintage presents itself, despite challenging climatic conditions, as an elegant, precise Pinot Noir with classic Burgundian character – a wine that will reward patience.

Terroir & Origin

Gevrey-Chambertin forms the northern gateway to the Côte de Nuits and is renowned for its powerful, long-lived Pinot Noirs. The Clos Prieur benefits from calcareous clay soils with good drainage and an exposed hillside position that provides the grapes with optimal ripening conditions. The Trapet family has managed their parcels biodynamically since 1995, which is reflected in the vibrancy and expressiveness of their wines. The terroir imparts this Premier Cru with a characteristic minerality and depth that distinguishes it from simpler village wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir displays its more masculine, structured side in Gevrey-Chambertin – less flattering than in Chambolle-Musigny, but with greater backbone. Trapet works with natural yeasts, moderate extraction and restrained oak use to avoid masking the fruit and terroir. The ageing takes place in barrels with a proportion of new oak, though this never dominates. At 13% alcohol, the 2021 presents itself as a well-balanced, non-over-extracted wine in the classical style – a counterpoint to modern over-ripeness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This Premier Cru calls for game dishes such as venison loin with lingonberries or braised venison. It also harmonises beautifully with Coq au Vin, duck breast with cherry sauce or aged soft cheeses such as Époisses or Langres. The wine’s structure also pairs well with robust mushroom dishes and beef fillet with truffle. A wine for the cooler months and the discerning table.