2022 Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Blanc Les Graviers

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.)”

Burgundy in eastern France is, if not the most famous and storied wine region in the world, certainly one of the top two or three. Its winemaking history dates from the Roman era, and its relatively small size and reputation for outstanding wines means that the best wines of Burgundy are generally among the world’s most prized – and costly – wines. At about 110,000 vineyards acres, Burgundy is only 40% as big as Bordeaux, and its system of dividing up vineyards into small, family-owned parcels makes understanding the wines of Burgundy a life-long pursuit for Burgundy enthusiasts. The three main grapes of Burgundy are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay. Burgundy is a long, narrow, north-south running region consisting of five main areas. They are Chablis in the north, Côte D’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Beaujolais, which is just above the Rhone Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown throughout most of Burgundy but Gamay is grown primarily in Beaujolais. The appellation system and rules about labeling can be confusing and the system classifies regions, villages and even individual vineyards. Grand Cru is the most prestigious appellation category, followed by Premier Cru and many village and regional appellations.

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.