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Gevrey-Chambertin is the northernmost of the great communes of the Côte de Nuits; it covers 1,315.75 acres and produces an average 16,411 hectolitres (182,351 cases) of wine annually, all of which is red. There are 26 premier crus in Gevrey occupying a total of 211 acres, and eight grands crus lying on a contiguous strip of 215 acres. The remaining 889 acres, 125 of which lie in the adjoining commune of Brochon, produce the village wines of Gevrey-Chambertin.
The village of Gevrey is very old; in 630 it still bore the Latin name "Gibriacus," a derivative of "grabos." The meaning of this word is unclear, but seems to be related to "beard", either a bearded man or animal, i.e., a goat. "Chambertin", from "Campus Bertini", later "Champ de Bertin", or "Bertin's field", immortalizes the peasant who first planted this greatest vineyard of the commune. In 1847, the commune of Gevrey became Gevrey- Chambertin by decree of King Louis-Philippe.
The great grands crus of Gevrey-Chambertin lie on a gentle, easterly slope in the southwest corner of the commune. A distinction is made between le Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Bèze and the other six grands crus, which follow the first two in prestige and quality. Griotte-Chambertin is the smallest of Gevrey's grands crus, with 6.65 acres situated just to the east of and on the slope below Clos-de-Bèze. Beyond the direct translation of "griotte," a variety of black cherry, the name may be derived from a very old word "crai," later "crag" or "cracos," meaning "stony, pebbled soil." The quantity yield in Griotte, averaging a scant 775 cases annually, is comparatively small even for the vineyard's size, and this grand cru is thus rarely seen outside France's borders.
Maison Louis Jadot vinifies the production of the few growers in Griotte with whom it holds purchase agreements to yield a wine of characteristically elegant and velvety full body, deep luscious red-fruit flavours and firm yet delicate structure, with a fine, generous bouquet.
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American
