2006 Philippe Pacalet Corton-Charlemagne

Philippe Pacalet was an estate manager for Domaine Prieure Roch until 1999, when he decided to rent small vineyard parcels in Beaune and make his own wines. Today he makes wine entirely on his own and has very limited production. He makes a variety wines, including Grand Cru Charmes Chambertin, and Premier Cru Meursault, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard and Saint-Aubin. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that to taste these wines “is a revelation. No one seriously interested in Burgundy should neglect this experience.”

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.