Domaine Chevalier Pere et Fils 2019 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Pairs with: Sole Meunière

Good for: Enjoying the nuance and depth that is white Burgundy

Grape: Chardonnay

I am from:  Burgundy, France

The Story: Domaine Chevalier, the jewel of Ladoix Sororité - Claude Chevalier had five daughters. Today, three of them watch over a wine heritage that, like the Corton hill they inhabit, begins in the plain with Burgundy and ends at the top of Ladoix, of which the Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru is the shining light. Between Julie, Chloé and Anaïs, the blood bond is as strong as the one that binds them to their land. Julie is in the business side of thngs while Anaïs, the little sister, an accountant by training, manages the estate. Chloe, born with "red hands" is in charge of the wine itself. In charge of vinification since the 2010 vintage, she learned the trade from other Burgundians before going work in Corsica and the United States in Sonoma. Her pragmatic approach confirms her experience and makes her a worthy cellar manager. It just may be that "Father & Son" disappears in favor of a more appropriate "Fathers & Daughters." Can you say sisterhood?

Why You'll Love Me: When young, Corton-Charlemagne is pale gold in colour with green highlights. As it ages, the colour shifts towards yellow or amber. The bouquet, delicate in the extreme, features buttery notes of baked apple, citrus fruits, pineapple, lime, bracken, juniper, cinnamon, and flint. Honeyed notes are frequently present and older vintages can (25-30 years) reveal leather and truffle. Both the glass and the palate are filled with its powerful character. Simply put, Corton-Charlemagne is an astonishing demonstration of what Chardonnay is capable of in terms of richness, power, concentration, distinction and balance. Rarely does one see such a perfect synthesis between grape variety and terroir.