History
Domaine Trapet Père et Fils has a rich history spanning seven generations of the Trapet family. The estate's origins date back to 1870 when Louis Trapet purchased grapevines and founded the domaine. Over the years, the family expanded their vineyard holdings, particularly in the late 1800s and early 1900s, acquiring notable parcels like Chambertin and Latricières-Chambertin. However, during the 1920s and 1930s, the domaine faced significant challenges due to market difficulties following World War I, leading to the sale of production to négociants.
In the 1960s, the family began bottling their own wines, marking a significant shift towards greater control over the finished product. By the mid-1970s, bottling became standard practice. The estate was later divided in 1993, allowing a new generation to establish their own domains: Domaine Rossignol-Trapet and Domaine Trapet Père et Fils. Jean-Louis Trapet, who had trained in Dijon and other renowned wine regions, took the helm in 1990, introducing biodynamic farming practices and reinvigorating the vineyards to improve sustainability and concentration of the wines. Under his leadership, the domaine has achieved a reputation for elegance and finesse in its Burgundian Pinot Noirs.
Terroir
Domaine Trapet Père et Fils is situated in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin, one of the most storied villages in Burgundy. The estate's vineyards are renowned for their unique terroir, which is characterized by a complex geological composition. The base of the soil consists of calcareous clay with large surface clays, while the upper part is whiter and clayish. This layered structure slows down the vegetative cycle, contributing to a royal and rare equilibrium in the wines.
The estate includes five Premier Cru sites and three of the most sought-after Grand Crus: Chapelle-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, and Chambertin. The Chambertin Grand Cru, in particular, benefits from a top soil of white marl and limestone, combined with a gentle incline that provides excellent drainage. This terroir contributes to the wines' mineral-inflected character and their ability to age gracefully.
The vineyards are planted with 90-year-old vines, with some parcels dating back to 1919. The terroir's influence is evident in the wines' aromatic complexity, flavor depth, and elegant structure, making Domaine Trapet Père et Fils a benchmark for Burgundian elegance and finesse.
