Domaine Pierre Gelin Chambertin Clos de Bèze
Wine Description
Domaine Pierre Gelin is the leading wine producer in the small village of Fixin (pronounced “Fees-an”). The family domaine was founded in 1925 by Pierre Gelin and is today in the hands of Pierre’s grandson, Pierre-Emmanuel. Pierre-Emmanuel practices lutte raisonée (“reasoned struggle”) and works to minimize the impact on the environment in both vineyard and cellar.
The family owns 32 acres in total including parcels in five Fixin premier crus and the monopole of Clos Napoléon. In 1961 Pierre also purchased vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin including the monopole Clos de Meixvelle, Clos Prieur 1er cru, and the Grand Cru Clos de Bèze.
Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is said to have been named in 630 CE after it became the property of the Abbey of Bèze. It is, in effect, an extension of Chambertin. Clos de Bèze may be sold as Chambertin but wine from Chambertin proper may not be sold as Clos de Bèze. The differences between the two vineyards is subtle. Clos de Bèze is exposed a bit more to the east and receives slightly more sun and ripens slightly earlier. Both Grand Crus drain well and sit on a bed of limestone.