2020 Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc

Domaine Roulot is a 25-acre estate in Meursault. Founded in 1830 by Guillaume Roulot, it was run for many years in the 20th century by Guy Roulot, a legendary maker of outstanding Meursaults. He was the first in his family – and one of the first in the district – to bottle his own wines. The estate is now run by his son Jean-Marc, who continues to champion single-vineyard bottlings and to make noteworthy wines. Domaine Roulot has Premier Cru parcels in Meursault and Monthelie. Clive Coates has written that the domaine “has long been one of the superstars of the commune…Jean-Marc has great talent…The wines are very pure and elegant…”

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 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.