2013 Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Batons

Ghislaine Barthod is a 17-acre estate in Chambolle-Musigny, in Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. Ghislaine is a third-generation winemaker, having taken over her family’s estate in 1987. It was previously run by her father and was founded in the 1920s by her grandfather. The estate has a Grand Cru parcel in Chambolle-Musigny, and Premier Crus in Les Baudes, Les Beaux-Bruns, Les Charmes, Les Chatelots, Les Combottes, Les Cras. Les Fuees and Les Veroilles. Ghislaine Barthod is the only domaine with a Premier Cru in Les Veroilles. Since Ghislaine took over the estate reviewers have been highly complimentary. Clive Coates notes that “for more than 15 years we have had definitely fine quality, rather than merely good (wine.)”

The Côte d’Or literally means the “slope of gold” and to Burgundy collectors it is sacred ground. It is home to most fabled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world, as well as historic domaines that trace their traditions back hundreds of years. The 30-mile long ridge stretches from just south of Dijon on the north to a little past Santenay in the south. At its widest, the Côte d’Or is a mere 1.5 miles across and sometimes it is merely a few hundred yards across. During several geological periods shifting sea beds left calcium-rich shellfish deposits on the ridge, creating unique, rocky soils that have become excellent vineyards. The Côte d’Or is further divided into a north and south. The Côte de Nuits is more or less the northern half, and is most famous for its Pinot Noir, while the Côte d’Beaune is the southern half, and is especially noted for its Chardonnay.

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.