Château de Chamirey: Mercurey's Crown Jewel
History
Château de Chamirey, built in the early 18th century, is an elegant estate overlooking the village of Chamirey. The château, influenced by Italian architecture, was initially constructed on a rocky headland with a view of the French gardens. The current structure includes towers added after a fire in the late 18th century. Originally owned by the Dupaty de Clam family, it was sold to the Marquis de Jouennes d'Herville family. Today, the estate is managed by Amaury and Aurore Devillard, representing the fifth generation of the family involved in winemaking.
In 1934, Marquis de Jouennes became a pioneer by bottling the estate's wines. His son-in-law, Bertrand Devillard, expanded the domaine and enhanced its reputation. The estate now covers 38 hectares, including 15 hectares of renowned Premier Crus in Mercurey.
Vineyard Holdings
Château de Chamirey’s 38 hectares are planted with 10,000 vines per hectare, a high density that ensures quality. Of these, 15 hectares are situated among the most prestigious Premier Crus of Mercurey. The estate is known for its significant presence in Mercurey, including ownership of 2 Monopoles "Les Ruelles" (red) and "La Mission" (wine). The average age of the vines is 35 years, and the vineyards are managed with a sustainable approach to viticulture. The estate employs environmentally friendly practices, including careful soil management and minimal use of chemicals.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking process at Château de Chamirey emphasizes meticulous attention to detail. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and undergo a three-step vatting process: pre-fermentation maceration, maceration, and post-fermentation maceration. The wines are aged primarily in oak barrels for about 18 months, with one-quarter of the barrels replaced each year. The goal is to bottle the wines when they exhibit their primary fruit and floral aromas.
Wine Style
The wines from Château de Chamirey reflect the diverse terroirs of Mercurey. The red wines are known for their silky texture and fruity characteristics, often showcasing cherry flavors. The white wines are fresh, lively, and well-balanced, with the Premier Cru "La Mission" representing the pinnacle of their white wine offerings.
Devillard Family
Château de Chamirey is part of a family portfolio that includes Domaine de Perdrix, Domaine de la Ferté, Domaine de la Garenne, and Domaine Rolet. While each estate operates independently, they are connected through the family's distribution network.