Armand Rousseau : Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand cru "Clos des Ruchottes" Monopole 2022

Tasting Notes and Characteristics of the Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru "Clos des Ruchottes" Monopole 2022 by Armand Rousseau

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a brilliant rose-purple hue, luminous and youthful, hinting at the vibrancy to come on the nose and palate.

Nose

The nose shows remarkable precision, unveiling delicate red berry fruit intertwined with floral nuances, orange zest, and gentle sweet spice, rounded out by a subtle marine inflection reminiscent of oyster shell.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is satiny and vibrant, carried by finely filigreed tannins and a saline tension that stretches across a long, persistent finish.

Serving and cellaring

The Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru "Clos des Ruchottes" Monopole 2022 is built to age gracefully over several decades, in keeping with the traditional longevity associated with this high-altitude climat.

A Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru Defined by Altitude and Minerality

The Estate

Founded in 1902 by Armand Rousseau in Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, Domaine Armand Rousseau has grown into one of the most respected names in the Côte de Nuits, cultivating 15.33 hectares across Gevrey-Chambertin and Morey-Saint-Denis. The estate is currently led by fourth-generation owner Eric Rousseau, working alongside his daughter Cyrielle. Renowned for its exceptional collection of grand cru climats, including the rare monopole Clos des Ruchottes, the domaine is defined by a family philosophy centered on simplicity, respect for terroir, and a faithful expression of each climat's character.

The Vineyard

The Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru lies in the uppermost part of the Gevrey-Chambertin hillside, between Mazis-Chambertin and Chambertin, making it the highest-situated grand cru of the village. Within this appellation, the Clos des Ruchottes forms a monopole of just over one hectare, entirely owned by Domaine Armand Rousseau. The vineyard rests on shallow, almost barren bathonian limestone, scattered with small stones known locally as "ruchots," which lend the wine its distinctive minerality. East-to-southeast-facing exposure, simple Guyot training, and a high planting density contribute to slow ripening and naturally modest yields, favoring concentration and precision over power.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking at Domaine Armand Rousseau has changed very little since the estate's earliest vintages, favoring precise fermentation monitoring and gentle handling to preserve freshness and purity of fruit. The Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru "Clos des Ruchottes" Monopole 2022 is aged in barrel with approximately 30 % new oak, carefully managed to add structure and subtle complexity without overshadowing the wine's natural finesse and saline minerality.

Grape Varieties

100 % pinot noir.