2021 Domaine Taupenot-Merme Saint-Romain Blanc

Domaine Taupenot-Merme is in Morey-Saint-Denis. The 34-acre estate has parcels in 20 appellations and is today run by Romain Taupenot and his sister Virginie, who are the seventh generation owners of the estate. Taupenot-Merme has Grand Cru parcels in Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyeres-Chambertin, and Corton. There are numerous Premier Cru parcels and village appellations in the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune. The estate makes both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Clive Coates calls the estate “a very good address.”

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.