Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 1999

The Domaine de Valmoissine is located on the site of the ancient monastery and university of Valmoissine at 500 metres above sea-level which guarantees sunshine during the summer months whilst remaining cool and limits the possibility of spring frosts. The ideally exposed south-facing vineyards bring the grapes to maturity at the same time as our Corton Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. They are entirely hand-picked before being fermented in stainless steel open-vats for a short period of 3-4 days. Pigeage will take place 2-3 times a day to extract colour and tannins. The wine is then matured in old oak casks from Maison Louis Latour's cooperage in Beaune in which the wines flavours and aromas develop naturally, and harmonise with the mellow wood flavours of the oak. The style of this wine resembles Burgundy's classical 'Vin Vermeil' that the first Louis Latour was producing at the end of the 18th century. Elegance and finesse packed with fruit, and a vivid 'vermeil' or bright red colour. Bottled after 8 months of maturation, it can be drunk with pleasure only a year after having been made. The resurrection of this style of wine already has a dedicated following.