2006 Tollot-Beaut et Fils Bourgogne Rouge

Domaine Tollot-Beaut et Fils has been bottling under its own label since 1921, and the Tollot family has been in the wine business since the 19th century. Today the 60-acre estate in Chorey-lès-Beaune is run by cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul and Olivier Tollot, fifth-generation vignerons. Jean-Paul is the winemaker. The family is so much a part of the history of Chorey-lés-Beaune that the domaine’s cellar is in the center of town on a street named for the cousins’ great grandfather, Alexandre Tollot. Domaine Tollot-Beaut produces Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages wines. Of special note are the estate’s two monopoles, Savigny-lés-Beaune Champs-Chevrey and Chorey-lés-Beaune Piece du Chaptire. Vinous notes that the “Tollot-Beaut style remains quite classic….Tollot-Beaut is an estate that in my view deserves much more attention."

Burgundy in eastern France is, if not the most famous and storied wine region in the world, certainly one of the top two or three. Its winemaking history dates from the Roman era, and its relatively small size and reputation for outstanding wines means that the best wines of Burgundy are generally among the world’s most prized – and costly – wines. At about 110,000 vineyards acres, Burgundy is only 40% as big as Bordeaux, and its system of dividing up vineyards into small, family-owned parcels makes understanding the wines of Burgundy a life-long pursuit for Burgundy enthusiasts. The three main grapes of Burgundy are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay. Burgundy is a long, narrow, north-south running region consisting of five main areas. They are Chablis in the north, Côte D’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Beaujolais, which is just above the Rhone Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown throughout most of Burgundy but Gamay is grown primarily in Beaujolais. The appellation system and rules about labeling can be confusing and the system classifies regions, villages and even individual vineyards. Grand Cru is the most prestigious appellation category, followed by Premier Cru and many village and regional appellations.

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.