2015 Jean-Marc Pillot Corton Charlemagne

Jean-Marc Pillot is a fourth-generation winemaker in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. He worked with his father, Jean, until the mid-1990s, when he took over the estate, expanding it to 35 acres. Jean-Marc Pillot produces many Premier Cru whites in Chassagne-Montrachet, as well as a few Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet reds, including Clos Saint-Jean, Les Macherelles and Morgeot. Since taking over from his father, Jean-Marc has built a new cellar and updated the domaine. Clive Coates notes that “These are very good wines.”

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.