2013 Domaine Ponsot Saint Romain Cuvee de la Mesange

Domaine Ponsot was founded in 1872 when William Ponsot returned from the Franco-Prussian war and bought an estate in Morey-Saint-Denis on the Cote de Nuit, in Burgundy. The Ponsots began bottling estate wine in 1934, much earlier than most Burgundy producers, and today the estate is still owned and operated by the Ponsot family. Laurent Ponsot has been in charge since 1983 and the estate now includes some 27 acres. Clive Coates has called it “one of the most individual domaines in Burgundy” because of late picking, the practice of retaining up to 25% stems, fermenting at high temperatures and using new oak, among other policies. The estate makes highly regarded premier cru and village wines. Of special note is a premier cru blanc made, in recent years, entirely of Aligote. Older vintages include 20 - 30% Chardonnay.

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.