Definition: Chambertin

The origin of the name 'Chambertin' is no longer a mystery to most wine lovers: in the 13th century, a field was naturally named after its owner at the time, a certain 'Bertin'. However, when it comes to Mazis-Chambertin, the origin of the name is much less obvious: the etymology is the same as that of the French common noun "masure", which referred to a dwelling, a small peasant house, but which today has taken on the meaning of a dilapidated, miserable house. And on the appellation that interests us, there was indeed a masure, called "mazis" or "mazoyère" in the local dialect. The name "mazis" eventually prevailed, but "mazoyère" also gave rise to the name Mazoyères-Chambertin, better known to wine lovers as Charmes-Chambertin, which producers prefer to use on their labels.