2012 Marc Colin Saint-Aubin La Fontenotte

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils is in Saint-Aubin. It was founded in 1970 by Marc Colin, who retired in 1995 after having turned the domaine into one of the appellation’s most admired producers. Today the domaine is run by three of his children, Caroline, Joseph and Damien. A third son, Pierre-Yves, has started his own domaine nearby. The 47-acre Domaine Marc Colin et Fils has parcels in 26 appellations in the communes of Saint-Aubin, Chassange-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay, producing about 120,000 bottles annually. Seventy percent of the wines are white and 30% red. Some 50% of the wines are exported, mostly throughout Europe. The family’s portfolio includes nearly 30 wines, mostly Premier Crus, though there are also Grand Crus and village appellations. Reviewers have been highly complimentary. Wine Advocate’s reviewer wrote in late 2014: “There is just an honesty, a deceptive simplicity to (the wines) because on the surface they are so delicious, yet underneath are some articulate expressions of terroir, stunning mineralité and hidden complexity…. I have heaped praise upon Domaine Marc Colin in previous years. This is no different. Domaine Marc Colin is one of the best growers in the Côte de Beaune...”

Côte de Beaune is the southern half of the Côte d’Or. The Côte de Beaune includes 16 villages and appellations. Among the most famous communes are Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune and Aloxe-Corton. Three of the communes include Grand Cru vineyards and there are numerous Premier Cru vineyards. Though Côte de Beaune produces outstanding red and white wines, it is especially renowned for its Chardonnays, which are considered the best in the world. The prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnays from the vineyards Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are always in high demand. The region takes its name from the village of Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy. Beaune is home to many of Burgundy’s best negociants, including Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot and Bouchard Pere et Fils. Beaune is also home to the historic Hospices de Beaune wine auction, an annual event held by local producers for the benefit of a Beaune hospital built in the 15th century.

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.