1976 Jaboulet-Vercherre Corton Bressandes

Jaboulet-Vercherre is a negociant and a domaine with roots in the Rhone Valley, where it was established in the early 19th century. It still produces Chateauneuf-du-Pape and other Rhones in the Rhone Valley. However in 1920 the firm opened cellars in Beaune, Burgundy, and now has more than 30 acres of vineyards in Burgundy. The domaine produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy. Its best-known wines are Pommard-Clos de la Commaraine and Beaune-Clos de L’Ecu. Jaboulet-Vercherre makes nearly 750,000 cases of wine annually as a negociant.

Corton is a Grand Cru vineyard for red wine within the Corton appellation. It is a long, slender, stony limestone site that wraps part way around the top slopes of Montagne de Corton, a hill that reaches to 1,150 feet. The 234-acre vineyard primarily faces south, west and east, and is sheltered by a windbreak of trees while also receiving excellent exposure to sun. Corton is the Cote de Beaune’s only red Grand Cru. The largest producers are Louis Latour, with 37.5 acres; Hospices de Beaune, with 16 acres; and D'Ardhuy, with 11.85 acres. The names of smaller vineyards within Corton are frequently added to the names of Corton wines, resulting in names such as Corton Les Renardes, Corton Les Chaumes, Corton les Perrieres, etc.

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.