1995 Jean-Marc Boillot Corton-Charlemagne

Jean-Marc Boillot is a 27-acre domaine based in Pommard. Jean-Marc is part of a well-known and large winemaking family in Burgundy and in 1989 he inherited vineyards from his grandfather, which allowed him to start his own operation. Boillot makes both red and white wines, and Clive Coates has noted that “this is one of the very few quality domaines in Burgundy which is equally as important in Pinot Noir as Chardonnay…” The domaine includes a Grand Cru parcel in Batard-Montrachet, and Premier Crus in Beaune, Pommard, Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet. Boillot is also a negociant and owns a 42-acre domaine in Languedoc.

Corton-Charlemagne is a historic appellation for Grand Cru Chardonnay in the Cote de Beaune of Burgundy. The 129-acre vineyard falls within the boundaries of three communes, Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. According to Burgundian historians, the vineyard is named for Charlemagne, the 8th century ruler who conquered most of western Europe. Charlemagne enjoyed the red wine of Corton, but as he grew older his wife disliked the red wine stains in his white beard, so Charlemagne had white grapes planted in Corton. Today only Chardonnay is allowed to be planted in Corton-Charlemagne, and it is one of Burgundy's most celebrated appellations for Grand Cru white wine. The largest land owners are Louis Latour, with 24 acres; Bonneau du Martray, with 23 acres; and Bouchard Pere et Fils, 9.5 acres.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.