2015 Domaine de la Vougeraie Corton-Charlemagne Le Charlemagne

Domaine de la Vougeraie is a Burgundy producer and importer of numerous Grands Crus, Premier Crus and villages wines. Based in the village of Premeaux-Prissey in Nuits-St.-Georges, the domaine was founded in 1961 by Jean-Claude Boisset and his wife. Since then the family has acquired numerous domaines in Burgundy, other parts of France, and in California, Canada and Italy. The Boisset Family owns and operates one of France’s largest wine conglomerates. Domaine de la Vougeraie became what it is today when, in 1999, the son and daughter of the founder assembled 86 acres of vineyards across 28 Burgundy appellations and brought them all under the control of Domaine de la Vougeraie. The domaine’s Grand Crus include Bonnes Mares, Charmes-Chambertin Les Mazoyeres, Clos de Vougeot and Musigny.

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.