Louis Jadot : Chambertin Grand cru 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 from Louis Jadot

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a red hue with purple highlights.

Nose

The bouquet reveals aromatic complexity marked by vanilla notes from aging in new oak barrels, accompanied by ripe red fruits, cherry and truffle. Nuances of brown spices complete this refined aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this grand cru stands out for its full and generous structure. The velvety texture coats the palate with elegance, revealing a ripe and charming character. The fruity flavors linger at length, underscored by a savory touch that brings balance and complexity to the whole.

Food and wine pairings

This Chambertin Grand Cru pairs beautifully with grilled red meats such as beef tenderloin or rib steak. It also goes well with game dishes, roast duck or coq au vin bourguignon. Wild mushrooms and truffle-based dishes make particularly harmonious pairings. For cheese, opt for full-flavored varieties such as Époisses, Saint-Nectaire or Langres.

Serving and storage

The Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 is best served between 59 and 63°F. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving allows the tannic structure to soften and the aromas to fully open up. This wine has exceptional aging potential and can be enjoyed until around 2040, or even beyond for bottles stored in optimal conditions.

A Burgundy grand cru combining power and vibrancy

The estate

Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, the Louis Jadot house ranks among the most respected négociant houses in Beaune. Since 1985, the property has belonged to the Kopf family through Kobrand Corporation, while the Gagey family oversees day-to-day operations. Today, Thomas Seiter has served as president since January 2023, and Thibault Gagey holds the role of managing director. The estate controls approximately 220 to 270 hectares of vines spread across the whole of Burgundy, from the Côte d'Or to Beaujolais, including the Mâconnais. Recognized as the leading French wine brand in the United States, Louis Jadot produces exclusively wines with controlled designation of origin and has been committed to organic certification since 2021.

The vineyard

Chambertin is one of the most prestigious grand crus of the Côte de Nuits, located in the northern part of Burgundy. The plots rest on soils composed of limestone and clay, planted on gentle east-facing slopes. This morning sun exposure allows the vines to warm up gradually, while the limestone soils impart minerality and complexity to the wines. This exceptional terroir is often compared to that of Romanée-Conti for its ability to produce Pinot Noirs of remarkable power and depth.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Burgundy benefited from particularly favorable weather conditions. The year was characterized by warm and sunny weather throughout the growing season, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. These conditions promoted the development of excellent aromatic concentration in the berries, giving the wines a generous fruit expression and a harmonious structure.

Winemaking and aging

The Chambertin Grand Cru 2018 was harvested by hand, with the grapes transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. Winemaking took place in open wooden or stainless steel vats, allowing precise temperature control. Two daily punch-downs were carried out during fermentation to optimize the extraction of color and tannins. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels crafted by the Cadus cooperage, owned by the house.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir