2004 Rossignol-Trapet Chambertin

Rossignol-Trapet is a 35-acre domain in Chambertin. Its history is intertwined with two great winemaking families, the Trapets and the Rossignols, who are related by marriage. When Jean Trapet and his brother-in-law Jacques Rossignol retired in 1990, the Trapet domaine was divided among the next generation. Today Rossignol-Trapet is run by Nicolas Rossignol. Rossignol-Trapet has Grand Cru parcels in Chambertin, Latricieres-Chambertin and Chapelle-Chambertin. There are also Premier Cru and villages wines. Clive Coates calls the domaine “a very good source.”

Chambertin is a 32.5 acre Grand Cru vineyard in the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. More than 25 proprietors own parcels, and some parcels are as small as about 50 square yards. The famous vineyard gets its name from a 7th century peasant, Monsieur Bertin. The name is assumed to come from the phrase “champ Bertin,” or Bertin’s field. Chambertin has an altitude that varies from 275 to 300 meters and is tucked under the Montagne de la Combe-Grisard, sheltering the site from strong winds. The soil is limestone, though there is also clay and gravel. Principal proprietors by acreage owned are Armand Rousseau, 5.38 acres; Jean and Jean-Louis Trapet, 4.75 acres; and Rossignol-Trapet, 4 acres.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.