Why it matters
The producer
Approximately 120 acres of vineyards belong to Maison Louis Latour, including roughly 67 acres designated Grand Cru. Grand Cru is Burgundy's highest vineyard classification, above premier cru and village levels. These holdings make Louis Latour the largest holder of Grand Cru plots in Burgundy.
The family business is now in its 11th generation of ownership. Its five story Corton Grancey Cuverie is built directly into a hillside, allowing gravity to move wine through the winery. The company also owns a cooperage.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The Côte de Beaune contains Aloxe-Corton and Meursault. Denis Latour purchased vines there in 1731, and Jean Latour relocated the family business to Aloxe-Corton in 1768.
After phylloxera, Louis Latour made the first plantings of Chardonnay in Corton-Charlemagne and became historically associated with introducing the variety to that region. Meursault 1er Cru Château de Blagny carries a premier cru designation, a classified vineyard level below Grand Cru.
Wines to know
The range in view
Louis Latour Meursault 1er Cru Château de Blagny is a 2022 white wine made from Chardonnay. Traditional vinification takes place in oak barrels, followed by complete malolactic fermentation.
The wine matures for 8 to 10 months in French oak, with 35 percent new oak and medium toast. The new oak comes from Louis Latour's cooperage. Honeysuckle and almond paste lead into a saline finish, with a stated cellaring potential of 6 to 8 years.