2008 Domaine Taupenot-Merme Corton Le Rognet

Domaine Taupenot-Merme is in Morey-Saint-Denis. The 34-acre estate has parcels in 20 appellations and is today run by Romain Taupenot and his sister Virginie, who are the seventh generation owners of the estate. Taupenot-Merme has Grand Cru parcels in Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyeres-Chambertin, and Corton. There are numerous Premier Cru parcels and village appellations in the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune. The estate makes both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Clive Coates calls the estate “a very good address.”

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.