2012 Domaine Poisot Corton Charlemagne

Domaine Poisot Père et Fils is a rarity in the wine world. It is a new label -- more or less - for Grand Cru Burgundy. The history of this tiny domaine of five acres is intertwined with the estate of Louis Latour and generational changes in the Poisot family. Marie Poisot was the daughter of the first Louis Latour, and in 1902 she inherited half of her father's estate. The other half went to her brother, also named Louis Latour. Marie Poisot's property eventually was divided among her six children, one of who, Pierre Poisot, became chief of vineyard management at Louis Latour. Most of the Poisot family's vineyards were farmed under rental agreements for two more generations, with the grapes going to Louis Latour. By 2009 only a tiny fraction of the original Poisot holdings had not been sold off to other domaines. And in 2010 Rémi Poisot, great grandson of Marie Poisot, took over the small share of the original Poisot estate that his family still owns. Today Domaine Poisot include a total of four acres of Grand Cru parcels in Romanee-Saint-Vivant, Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes. There is also a one acre parcel of Pernand-Verglesses Premier Cru.

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.