2022 Morey-Coffinet Corton-Charlemagne

Morey-Coffinet is on the southern edge of the village of Chassagne. It was started in 1978 when Michel Morey and his wife Fabienne combined vineyard parcels they’d received as wedding gifts. Michel Morey is the son of the late, highly regarded producer Marc Morey, and Fabienne is from the distinguished Pillot winemaking family. Both families have deep roots in the region and generations of history as winemakers, and together the couple worked their 22-acre domain. Now their son Thibault is sharing responsibility for the estate. Three-quarters of the estate’s wines are Chardonnay, mostly from Chassagne-Montrachet. Morey-Coffinet’s domain includes grand cru parcels in Batard Montrachet and Corton Charlemagne, as well as numerous premier crus.

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.