2016 Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne

Ghislaine Barthod is a 17-acre estate in Chambolle-Musigny, in Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. Ghislaine is a third-generation winemaker, having taken over her family’s estate in 1987. It was previously run by her father and was founded in the 1920s by her grandfather. The estate has a Grand Cru parcel in Chambolle-Musigny, and Premier Crus in Les Baudes, Les Beaux-Bruns, Les Charmes, Les Chatelots, Les Combottes, Les Cras. Les Fuees and Les Veroilles. Ghislaine Barthod is the only domaine with a Premier Cru in Les Veroilles. Since Ghislaine took over the estate reviewers have been highly complimentary. Clive Coates notes that “for more than 15 years we have had definitely fine quality, rather than merely good (wine.)”

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.