2001 Domaine Marius Delarche Corton-Charlemagne Reserve

Domaine Marius Delarche is a 24-acre estate in the village of Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. The family estate is run by Etienne Delarche, who studied viticulture in Beaune before returning home to run the estate in 2005. The estate produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and offers Grand Crus, Premier Crus and villages wines. Delarche Grand Crus are Corton Les Bressandes, Corton-Charlemagne and Corton Clos du Roi. Premier Crus include the red wines Pernand-Vergelesses Les Fichot and Ile de Vergelesses, and the white wine monopole Pernand-Vergelesses Clos Berthet. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that the domaine’s “whites are now very good indeed.”

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.