2020 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Corton-Charlemagne

Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is unquestionably Burgundy’s most famous estate, and among serious oenophiles, it may be the most famous wine estate in the world. Its Grand Cru Pinot Noirs and one Chardonnay regularly command some of the highest prices for any wine produced anywhere in the world, and according to many reviewers the wines are generally celestial. Though its history is complicated, the domaine is now owned by several long-time Burgundy families, with some owners holding just a very few shares. The 62.5 acres of vineyard owned by the domaine are planted to Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay. The wines produced are Grands Echezeaux, Echezeaux, Romanee-St.-Vivant, Montrachet, Richebourg, Romanee-Conti, and La Tache. Of the Pinot Noirs, the rarest is the Romanee-Conti, with an annual production of only 450 cases. The most plentiful, theoretically, is La Tache, produced in quantities of about 1,900 cases annually.

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.