1996 Domaine Trapet Pere & Fils Chapelle-Chambertin

Domaine Trapet Pere et Fils is one of the larger estates in Gevrey-Chambertin, in Burgundy. The estate is comprised of 30 acres, including significant parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Chambertin, Chapelle-Chambertin and Latricieres-Chambertin. The Trapet family has owned vineyards in the area since 1870, but only started bottling their wine in the 1960s. In the early 1990s the estate was divided in half so a new generation could own their own enterprises. Domaine Trapet became Domaine Trapet Pere et Fils, and it is run by Jean-Louis, son of Jean Trapet. The estate is known for its three Grand Crus, though it also produces several Premier Crus and villages wines.

Chapelle-Chambertin is a 13.5-acre Grand Cru vineyard just north of Griotte-Chambertin in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Its name comes from the chapel of Notre Dame de Beze, a chapel built in 1155 by the monks of Abbey de Beze and demolished several centuries later during the French Revolution. There is not much slope in this vineyard, nor much soil. Louis Jadot and Claude Dugat have small parcels here, though the largest landholders are Pierre Damoy, 5 acres; Ponsot 1.7 acres; and Jean and Jean-Louis Trapet, 1.5 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.

Jean & Jean-Louis Trapet