2012 Bruno Colin St. Aubin Le Charmois

Domaine Bruno Colin is owned and operated by Bruno Colin, one of two sons of the legendary Burgundy winemaker Michel Colin-Deleger. Michel split his Cote de Beaune domaine in 2003, giving a third of it to each of his sons, while retaining one-third for himself. Bruno has 20 acres including a number of Premier Cru parcels in Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay and Maranges. Bruno shares the family cellar in the heart of Montrachet with his father. Bruno’s first vintages have earned compliments from reviewers, including the Wine Advocate, which has rated many of Bruno’s wines with 90 or more points.

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.