Domaine A.P. Villaine, Cote Chalonnaise La Fortune

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The Cote Challonaise La Fortune uses carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes, fermented and aged in wooden tanks. It has a wonderfully ruby red color, and an ABV of about 13%. With a score of 90 on James Suckling, it has a medium body and a great lively quality. It has aromas of wild strawberries and raspberries. Bright on the palate, it has a well-balanced structure, sweet tannins, and notes of red fruit.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

Pair this Burgundy red wine with cured meats, pates, and cheeses like Vacherin and Reblochon. Enjoy it with a roast chicken, or dishes with hearty red sauces, and meat-based pastas.

A RELUCTANT VIGNERON

A reluctant hero in the world of wine, Aubert de Villaine grew up the heir of wine legacy, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. As a young man, he was never as interested in wine as an heir was expected to be, instead, pursuing interests in literature and law. He spent some time in New York working for a Burgundian wine importer, but returned home to become co-director of Romanée-Conti.

In 1971, he and his American wife, Pamela, settled in Bouzeron, a village in the Côte Chalonnaise. He began to make his own wines, away from the holds of international reputation. It was a rundown domaine when Aubert and Pamela first arrived, but with determination, they studied their unique terroir, and have become pioneers in what was once a forgotten Burgundy enclave. Today, it is Aubert’s nephew, Pierre de Benoist, that directs and handles the domaine. Aubert is still there, proudly watching Pierre continue and uphold the traditions of excellence.

Taste Profile

Technical Sheet

Storage Instructions

Store unopened red wines in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 16 to 18°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 3 to 5 days standing upright in the refrigerator.