Laboure Roi Bourgogne Blanc Maximum Chardonnay 2003
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Production Area
The Bourgogne Blanc Appelation stretches across the entire Burgundy region from Chablis to Macon. Although there are still very small parcels of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Beurot planted in the Cote d'Or, the wines are virtualy all made from the Chardonnay grape. The majority of these wines come from the Cote d'Or and the Cote-Chalonnaise. For this "Maximum" white Burgundy, Armand Cottin, the owner of Laboure-Roi has left no stone unturned in his quest to create a Bourgogne Blanc that reflects the exceptional quality and style identified with this world-famous wine region.
Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay
Vinification
The grapes are hand harvested, lightly pressed and the juice cooled and left to settle in stainless steel tanks beefore the alcoholic fermentation begins under strictly controlled temperatures to ensure proper extraction of fruit and flavor. "Maximum" Bourgogne Blanc is then matured at least six months in French oak barrels.
Color
Pale yellow heightened by golden glints
Bouquet
Toasted hazelnut, dried fig and dried, candied fruit
Taste
Round and unctuous, with flavors of vanilla and toast
Alcohol
12.5
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled but not iced, around 50-52 Farenheit (12-14C). Drink with all forms of cold cuts, snails in garlic, river and sea fish, poultry, white meats and soft cheeses.
Under the leadership of Armand and his brother Louis who later joined him, Laboure-Roi has become what is today the third largest source of Burgundy wines.
A key element in the transformation and continued success of Laboure-Roi is the Cottin brothers' readiness to embrace progress, supported by their extensive investment in state-of-the-art technology. The Laboure-Roi winemaking facility in Nuits-Saint-Georges is indisputably one of the finest in Burgundy. The winery, which boasts a cellaring capacity of 2,000 barrels, supplements the house's historic cellars. Dating back to the 16th century, the ancient cellars are still used today for the storing and aging select bottles.
Laboure-Roi pioneered the concept of presenting single estate wines under each respective domaine's label. Laboure-Roi's staff of five winemakers provides these growers with ongoing guidance to ensure that each individual wine meets the house standards of quality and reflects the unique characteristics of its respective terroir.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Dive into the holiday season with great value French wines from Bourgogne! If you don’t know the term, Bourgogne is the locals’ preferred word for Burgundy to highlight its winemaking heritage and culture. This prestigious wine region is home to lesser-known yet expressive Village appellations, such as Mercurey and Saint Bris. Whether it’s a dinner with friends, a family gathering, or a gift for the wine buff in your life, Bourgogne, or Burgundy wine, is perfect for any end-of-the-year occasion. Shop Burgundy wines today!
A legendary wine region setting the benchmark for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay worldwide, Burgundy is a perennial favorite of many wine lovers. While the concept of ‘terroir’ reigns supreme here—soil type, elevation and angle of each slope—this is a region firmly rooted in tradition. Because of the Napoleonic Code requiring equal distribution of property and land among all heirs, vineyard ownership in Burgundy is extremely fragmented, with some growers responsible for just one or two rows of vines. This system has led to the predominance of the "negociant"—a merchant who purchases fruit from many different growers to vinify and bottle together.
Burgundy’s cool, continental climate and Jurassic limestone soils are perfect for the production of elegant, savory and mineral-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with plenty of acidity. Vintage variation is of particular importance for Burgundy wine, as weather conditions can be variable and unpredictable. In some years spring frost and hail must be overcome.
The Côte d’Or, a long and narrow escarpment, forms the heart of the region, split into the Côte de Nuits to the north and the Côte de Beaune to the south. The former is home to many of the world’s finest Pinot Noir wines, while Chardonnay plays a much more prominent role in the latter, though outstanding red and white Burgundy wines are produced throughout. Other key appellations include the Côte Chalonnaise, home to great value Pinot Noir and sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. The Mâconnais produces soft and round, value-driven Chardonnay while Chablis, the northernmost region of Burgundy, is a paradise for any lover of bright, acid-driven and often age-worthy versions of the grape.