1987 Maurice Chapuis Corton

Domaine Chapuis in Aloxe-Corton has been owned and operated by the Chapuis family since the mid-19th century. Today the 30-acre estae is run by Maurice Chapuis and his wife Anne-Marie. The estate produces red and white wines, including Grand Crus. Domaine Chapuis has red Grand Cru parcels in Corton Languettes and Corton-Perrières, and a white Grand Cru parcel in Corton Charlemagne. There are also Premier Cru and villages wines. In addition to producing their own wines, Maurice and Anne-Marie run a small negociant under the family name.

Corton is a Grand Cru vineyard for red wine within the Corton appellation. It is a long, slender, stony limestone site that wraps part way around the top slopes of Montagne de Corton, a hill that reaches to 1,150 feet. The 234-acre vineyard primarily faces south, west and east, and is sheltered by a windbreak of trees while also receiving excellent exposure to sun. Corton is the Cote de Beaune’s only red Grand Cru. The largest producers are Louis Latour, with 37.5 acres; Hospices de Beaune, with 16 acres; and D'Ardhuy, with 11.85 acres. The names of smaller vineyards within Corton are frequently added to the names of Corton wines, resulting in names such as Corton Les Renardes, Corton Les Chaumes, Corton les Perrieres, etc.

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.