Gevrey Chambertin is the northernmost of the great communes of the Cote de Nuits. There are 26 Premiers Crus and 8 Grands Crus. Half of the Premiers Crus of Gevrey lie on the Grands Cru's east-facing slope; the other half occupies a steep, southeast-facing slope to the north, with calcareous clay soils. Charmes Chambertin vineyard is on the east-facing slope between Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru, Latricieres Chambertin and Chambertin Grand Cru. Charmes is derived from Chaume, meaning subtle or thatch, indicating the former presence of a grain field. The grapes bear small dark red berries. The bunches are destemmed; they macerate in open vats for 4 weeks, helping this subtle terroir to reveal itself. After devastating, the wines are aged in oak barrels for 18 months.