2002 Tollot-Beaut et Fils Corton Bressandes

Domaine Tollot-Beaut et Fils has been bottling under its own label since 1921, and the Tollot family has been in the wine business since the 19th century. Today the 60-acre estate in Chorey-lès-Beaune is run by cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul and Olivier Tollot, fifth-generation vignerons. Jean-Paul is the winemaker. The family is so much a part of the history of Chorey-lés-Beaune that the domaine’s cellar is in the center of town on a street named for the cousins’ great grandfather, Alexandre Tollot. Domaine Tollot-Beaut produces Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages wines. Of special note are the estate’s two monopoles, Savigny-lés-Beaune Champs-Chevrey and Chorey-lés-Beaune Piece du Chaptire. Vinous notes that the “Tollot-Beaut style remains quite classic….Tollot-Beaut is an estate that in my view deserves much more attention."

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.