Chambolle Musigny, Gruenchers, 1er Cru,

The Domaine Barthod-Noellat was founded when Gaston Barthod, whose family originated in the Jura, married into the Noellat family. He took over the direction of the Domaine after finishing his military service in the 1950s. Then in the 1980s his daughter, Ghislaine, served her apprenticeship under him and by the early nineties was making the wine. Ghislaine has made this a benchmark for Chambolle growers and lovers alike. Terroir and grape variety are respected in the winemaking process, vineyard work is hard, intervention minimal and new oak kept to an average of 30%. The ethos here is to pick ripe but on the early side, to retain the birghtness of Pinot Noir. Grapes are de-stalked for fermentation. Her outstanding plots of old vines in Les Fuées and Les Charmes produce wines that typify the elegance and sophistication of Chambolle. The Véroilles however is possibly the more interesting cuvée, if less renowned. It is one of the highest Chambolle vineyards and is situated next to Bonnes Mares and duly reflects the style of its Grand Cru neighbour. Here, charm is aligned to a vibrant acidity and grainy tannins giving a firm grip and sound framework to its ripe fruit.