2007 Domaine Roulot Auxey-Duresses

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…”

Côte de Beaune is the southern half of the Côte d’Or. The Côte de Beaune includes 16 villages and appellations. Among the most famous communes are Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Beaune and Aloxe-Corton. Three of the communes include Grand Cru vineyards and there are numerous Premier Cru vineyards. Though Côte de Beaune produces outstanding red and white wines, it is especially renowned for its Chardonnays, which are considered the best in the world. The prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnays from the vineyards Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet are always in high demand. The region takes its name from the village of Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy. Beaune is home to many of Burgundy’s best negociants, including Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot and Bouchard Pere et Fils. Beaune is also home to the historic Hospices de Beaune wine auction, an annual event held by local producers for the benefit of a Beaune hospital built in the 15th century.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.