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Burgundy represents, for many, the epitome of world-class winemaking. Standing amongst the most historic Burgundian houses of this famed French region is Labouré-Roi. Established in 1832, this forward-thinking winery is today one of the appellation’s most successful and prolific producers with wines distributed to over thirty countries worldwide and annual sales revenues in excess of $70 million.

On each bottle of Labouré-Roi is the regal fleur-de-lys, the emblem of the French King Louis VII. While this house respects its remarkable heritage, it has embraced the future like few other Burgundian producers. Labouré-Roi’s winemaking facility is indeed one of the more technically-advanced within the region, with a cellaring capacity of 1,300 barrels. This supplements an impressive 16th century cellar, which is still used for storage and aging of select bottles.

Located in Nuits-Saint-George, Labouré-Roi has long been committed to making world-class wine accessible to all. To that end, it currently works with an impressive one hundred growers throughout nearly every major winemaking region of France, from regional appellations and the most celebrated Burgundy villages, to superlative Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Labouré-Roi’s fine wines have over the years received numerous awards and accolades.

Production Area
For travelers coming from Dijon, Gevrey-Chambertin is where Burgundy’s Elysian Fields begin. Gevrey-Chambertin forms a kind of guard of honor to a set of fabulous Grand Crus whose crown jewels are Chambertin and Clos de Bèze. The appellation dates from September 1936. The steep slopes overlooking the vineyards of Gevrey are blessed with ideal conditions for nurturing top quality Pinot Noir. Napoleon was especially partial to Gevrey, famously stating: “One bottle to celebrate my victory! Another to comfort my enemies in defeat!” The Premiers Crus occupy the upper portion of the Côte at heights of between 280 and 380 meters (brown limestone soils, rather shallow). Below are the communal appellation vines on brown calcic or limey soils. The vines also reap the benefit of marls covered with screes and red silt washed down from the plateau. These stony mixtures confer elegance and delicacy on the wine while the clayey marls, which contain rich deposits of fossil shell-fish, add body and firmness. Exposures vary from east to south-east, and the average age of the vines is 50 years.

Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Noir

Vinification
The wine is vinified (a 12 day fermentation at 32 degrees Celcius) and aged for up to 15 months in the same cellar. The entire production is called la futaille (the Barrel). 30% new oak is used for aging and the balance is split between 1, 2 and 3-year-old oak barrels. The wine continues aging in the bottle, which adds delicacy to its strong structure reflecting its unique terrior.

Color
Deep ruby/ garnet red

Bouquet
Strawberry, mulberry, violet, and rose. Maturity brings out licorice, leather and gamey notes with a hint of underbrush.

Taste
Nuanced and complex, suggesting ripe red fruits and spices. Firm structure, velvety tannins and delicate texture, yet powerful and rich.

Alcohol
13%

Serving Suggestions
Serve with game, steak, lamb, as well as tuna or perch. Also well-matched with strong cows-milk cheeses.