2018 00 Wines Corton-Charlemagne

00 Wines (known to many as “Double Zero”) was founded with the intent of raising the bar for Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with an eye toward emulating the great wines of Burgundy. By all accounts they have achieved their goal and are today lauded as the Oregon Chardonnay specialists that have cracked the code. Founded by former environmental attorney Chris Hermann, 00 Wines has quietly focused on sourcing fruit from the Willamette Valley’s premier chardonnay and pinot noir vineyards and terroirs, while also engaging in classic Burgundian production techniques that have largely been ignored in Oregon, particularly the “Black Chardonnay” technique. Meanwhile, their pinot noir berries are hand clipped and then fermented in small amphora to create an exquisite fragrance and texture not achievable otherwise. Today, 00 Wines are actively sought out by collectors and enthusiasts.

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.