A Wine for Unforgettable Moments
A truly great wine is meant to be savored and cherished, each sip a celebration of life’s special moments. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones on a special occasion, sealing the deal at an important business meeting, or simply rewarding yourself for hard work and perseverance, the right wine can elevate the experience. And in those memorable moments, a wine like Louis Latour’s Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2012 becomes more than just a drink—it becomes part of the story.
For me, wine tastes even better when it’s enjoyed in these meaningful times, enhancing the joy and significance of the occasion. With so many wines to choose from, I wholeheartedly recommend this exquisite Chardonnay from Burgundy. Silky smooth, with a rich, premium character, the Corton Charlemagne 2012 is a true standout that never disappoints.
One of the things I admire most about this wine is the singular focus of the region: it’s 100% Chardonnay, and the expertise and dedication to this grape are evident in every glass. The Corton-Charlemagne 2012 dazzles with its striking yellow hue, tinged with golden highlights. Its powerful aromas of fresh almond and mellow oak make this wine unforgettable, while its full-bodied length and lingering finish ensure each sip is a pure delight.
The Region: Burgundy’s Crown Jewel
Hailing from the prestigious Côte de Beaune region, specifically the village of Aloxe-Corton, this wine carries the esteemed Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru appellation. Crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown in the stony, limestone-rich soils of Burgundy, the wine boasts a distinctive flinty minerality that gives it character and depth. The vines, averaging 30 years of age, are handpicked with care, ensuring that only the finest grapes make their way into each bottle. This labor-intensive process naturally elevates the price of the wine but guarantees its impeccable quality and a commitment to preserving the land.
The History: From Charlemagne to Modern Mastery
The story behind Corton Charlemagne is as fascinating as the wine itself. Legend has it that Emperor Charlemagne himself ordered the planting of white grape varieties on the Corton hillside. Although he was known to love red wines, his long white beard would often get stained—a problem his wife was keen to solve. She persuaded him to switch to white wines, and so the vineyard’s tradition of white grape cultivation began.
In the early days, the hillside vineyards would have been planted with a mix of Pinot Gris (known locally as Pinot Beurot), Pinot Blanc, and Aligoté. However, after the devastating Phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, the fifth-generation Latour family made a bold decision. Rather than replant the dying Aligoté and Pinot Noir vines, they took a gamble and replaced them with Chardonnay. At the time, this was a radical move, but it turned out to be a stroke of genius, leading to the creation of one of Burgundy’s most celebrated white wines.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Latour Family Timeline
The Latour family’s connection to Burgundy stretches back to 1731 when they first acquired vines in the Côte de Beaune. Over the centuries, their influence and landholdings grew, securing their place among the region’s most prestigious winemakers.
- 1749: Gabriel Lebault, President of the Parliament in Burgundy, builds Château Corton Grancey in Aloxe-Corton.
- 1768: Jean Latour sets up his own cooperage in Aloxe-Corton and begins acquiring vineyards, laying the foundation for the family’s future wine empire.
- 1797: Maison Louis Latour is established.
- 1891: The family acquires Château Corton Grancey, along with 33 hectares of Grand Cru vines, including 15 hectares in the esteemed Corton Grand Cru.
- 1900: The Latours expand further into the Côte de Nuits, acquiring prestigious Grand Cru vineyards such as Romanée Saint-Vivant and Chambertin.
- 1913: The family co-acquires another prized Grand Cru: Chevalier-Montrachet “Les Demoiselles.”
The Vineyard Today: A Prime Location
Today, the Latour family owns 10.5 hectares of prime vineyard land, making them the largest owners in the Corton-Charlemagne appellation. The south-easterly orientation of the vines on the Corton hillside ensures optimal sun exposure, allowing the grapes to ripen fully before harvest. This attention to detail in the vineyard results in a wine that’s rich in flavor, complexity, and elegance.
By the 20th century, the Latour family had established themselves as purveyors of luxury, supplying their wines to top hotels and restaurants around the world. Their reputation for quality and prestige was solidified, and today, Louis Latour wines are synonymous with the finest expressions of Burgundy.
Fermentation & Aging: Crafting Perfection
The Corton Charlemagne 2012 is crafted using traditional fermentation methods in oak barrels, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine spends 8-10 months aging on its lees (the yeast) in 100% new French oak barrels that are medium toasted, adding richness and depth to the final product.
This classic Corton-Charlemagne is renowned for its harmonious balance of fruit flavors, such as figs and baked pears, combined with a mineral character reminiscent of flint. While it commands a premium price, it is often considered a hidden gem compared to its more expensive Burgundy counterparts like Montrachet.
The Latour style is a reflection of their deep respect for nature’s rhythm, crafting wines that showcase the full expression of Burgundy’s remarkable terroir. Each bottle is a blend of nature’s generosity and the skillful craftsmanship of generations.
Pairing & Enjoyment: Elevating the Experience
For the ultimate culinary pairing, enjoy Corton Charlemagne with shellfish, lobster, foie gras, or rich, mature cheeses. Its complexity and balance make it an ideal companion to elevate your dining experience.
This wine has impressive cellaring potential, maturing beautifully over 10 to 15 years. To fully appreciate its flavors, serve it slightly chilled, at a temperature between 12-14°C.
Conslusion:
Louis Latour’s Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2012 is more than just a wine—it’s an experience, a journey through history, craftsmanship, and the beauty of Burgundy’s terroir. Each sip is a reminder of the passion and dedication that go into creating a truly exceptional wine, one that elevates any occasion and becomes a lasting memory.
