Hubert Bouzereau-Gruère 'Le Charmois' Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 2022

Winemaking

Hubert Bouzereau-Gruère et Filles operates with a philosophy centered on expressing the mineral character and elegance that Saint-Aubin's terroir naturally offers. The domaine favors classical Burgundian winemaking techniques—minimal intervention, respect for the vintage, and a commitment to letting the vineyard speak through the wine rather than imposing an external style.

Tasting Notes

Le Charmois opens with bright citrus and green apple aromatics, layered with subtle mineral notes that hint at the limestone bedrock beneath the vines. On the palate, this Premier Cru Chardonnay is refined and focused, with crisp acidity providing a clean backbone that balances delicate stone fruit and hazelnut character. The finish is persistent and taut, showing excellent complexity and tension that rewards careful attention—a wine that invites contemplation rather than quick consumption.

Producer

Hubert Bouzereau-Gruère et Filles is a modest family domaine based in Saint-Aubin, cultivating parcels across the appellation's most respected vineyard sites. The estate has built a reputation for quality over volume, with meticulous vineyard management and traditionalist cellar practices that honor Burgundy's heritage while allowing each vintage to express its own character.

Terroir

Saint-Aubin, a lesser-known gem tucked into Burgundy's Côte d'Or, sits just inland from the more celebrated Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. The 1er Cru parcels, including Le Charmois, benefit from southeast-facing exposures and soils rich in limestone and clay, which contribute the wine's signature mineral tension and bright acidity. The continental climate of the region, with its cool nights and moderate growing season, ensures Chardonnay ripens with precision and complexity rather than overripeness.

Food Pairings

Try this with butter-poached lobster or a delicate crab salad, where the wine's acidity and stone fruit will echo the sweetness of shellfish. A simple preparation of roasted chicken with tarragon and cream sauce would also be magnificent, allowing the wine's hazelnut notes and mineral backbone to shine. For a casual weeknight option, pair it with a creamy risotto with asparagus and Parmesan—the wine's crispness cuts through richness while its complexity matches the dish's elegance.