2022 Bernard Dugat-Py Aloxe-Corton Les Paulands Vieilles Vignes

Bernard Dugat-Py is a 30-acre domaine in the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation of Burgundy. The Dugats have been winemakers in the region since the 17th century, and Bernard and his son Loic are the 12th and 13th generations to run the domain. Since 2004 the domain has been completely biodynamic. The domain produces Grand Crus, which are Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, and Mazoyeres-Chambertin. There are also Premier Crus and Village wines. Dugat-Py’s wines are aged in a magnificent vaulted cellar that was built as part of an abbey in the 9th century. Recently the domaine has also made white wines, including a Grand Cru Corton Charlemagne. Clive Coates, the long-time wine critic and Burgundy authority, has noted that Bernard Dugat-Py “is a high-class establishment presided over by a charming couple.” The domain’s wines, he adds, “are very stylish and well-balanced.”

Aloxe-Corton is one of the most historic appellations in Burgundy. It includes the communes of Aloxe-Corton and Ladoix-Serrigny. The Romans settled in the area and made wine, and in the eighth century Emperor Charlemagne was so impressed with the wine from Aloxe-Corton that he bought land and founded an abbey. The famous Grand Cru Chardonnay Corton-Charlemagne was named for the emperor, who, according to legend, switched from drinking red wine to white because his wife disliked red wine stains on his white beard. The AOC Aloxe-Corton includes 13 Premier Crus and 220 acres of village vineyards. Nearly all of the wine produced is red, and the reds are known for spicy, earthy, tannic character. At the heart of the appellation is the Montagne de Corton, or Hill of Corton, which is home to the Grand Crus of the area. The Chardonnay vineyards are at the top of the hill, but further down the hill is planted to Pinot Noir. All 22 Grand Cru vineyards on Montagne Corton produce wines that include the name Corton. All are reds except for the legendary Chardonnay Corton-Charlemagne.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.