1986 Louis Latour Montrachet

Louis Latour is one of Burgundy’s largest and most influential negociants and wine producers. The Latour family has been in the wine business in Burgundy since the 17th century when it started a maison and ran its own domaine for wine production. Today the maison is located in Beaune and the chateau is in Aloxe-Corton. Domaine Louis Latour has 71 acres of Grand Cru vineyards, making it the largest Grand Cru domaine in the Cote d’Or. The vineyards are located between Chambertin and Chevalier-Montrachet. In addition, Domaine Latour has another 50 acres of Premier Cru and other parcels. Domaine Louis Latour is best known for its Chardonnay, including the Grand Crus Corton-Charlemagne and Chevalier-Montrachet les Demoiselles. The Domaine also makes several Grand Cru reds, including the much-admired Corton-Grancey. Louis Latour owns 741 acres in Ardeche, in the south of France, where the firm produces modestly-priced Chardonnay.

Le Montrachet is renowned as one of the world’s truly extraordinary Chardonnay vineyards. Along with its three neighboring vineyards, Chevalier-Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet, Le Montrachet is a highly prestigious Grand Cru. Though Le Montrachet is usually associated with the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, almost half the famous vineyard lies in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation just to the south. Le Montrachet is a 20-acre vineyard located on a steep, southern and southeastern slope at 260 meters above sea level. The soil is limestone and clay mixed with pebbles. The drainage is excellent and it is considered an ideal vineyard site. Until the French Revolution the vineyard was owned by a single family. Today the largest landholders are Marquis de Laguiche (whose wines are vinifed and marketed by Joseph Drouhin) with 5 acres; Baron Thenard (wines sold by Roland Remoissenet et Fils) 4.5 acres; and Bouchard Pere et Fils, 2.2 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.