LOUIS LATOUR ALOXE-CORTON LES CHAILLOTS 750ML

Overview

Producer: Maison Louis Latour

Region: Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Classification: Premier Cru (“Les Chaillots”)

Varietal: Pinot Noir (100%)

Style: Dry, structured red Burgundy

Alcohol: ~13–13.5% ABV

“Les Chaillots” is one of the most important Premier Cru sites in Aloxe-Corton, and Louis Latour owns a significant portion of it. The wine is known for combining Côte de Beaune finesse with Côte de Nuits-style structure and depth.

Vineyard and Terroir

1. Soils: Limestone, gravel, and stony (“chailles”) terrain
2. Vine age: ~30–35 years on average
3. Climate: Cool continental Burgundy conditions
4. Influence: Produces wines with firm structure and earthy depth alongside red fruit purity

The terroir tends to give wines that are more powerful and structured than Beaune or Volnay, but less perfumed than Chambolle-Musigny.

Winemaking

1. Traditional open-vat fermentation
2. Malolactic fermentation completed
3. Aged ~10–12 months in French oak barrels
4. Around 30–35% new oak, medium toast
5. Louis Latour cooperage barrels used for aging

This gives a balance of fruit clarity and gentle oak spice without overwhelming the wine.

Aroma (Nose)

1. Black cherry and ripe red currant
2. Plum and dark berry tones
3. Earth, forest floor, and undergrowth
4. Subtle spice and toasted oak
5. Occasional hints of licorice or smoke

The bouquet is typically brooding yet elegant, gaining complexity with age.

Palate (Taste)

1. Medium to medium-plus body
2. Core flavors:
3. Black cherry and blackberry
4. Red plum and crushed berries
5. Mid-palate:
6. Earth, mushroom, and savory spice
7. Light mineral/iron-like undertone
8. Structure:
9. Firm, fine-grained tannins
10. Noticeable acidity giving lift and aging potential

The wine often feels structured and slightly austere in youth, but becomes more rounded with time.

Finish

1. Medium to long
2. Dry, structured tannic grip
3. Lingering dark fruit and earthy spice
4. Subtle oak and mineral fade

Style and Character

This is a classic Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru style, defined by:

1. Structure over immediate softness
2. Earth and spice alongside fruit
3. Strong aging potential

Compared to nearby Burgundy styles:

1. More structured than Volnay (which is softer and more floral)
2. Less perfumed than Chambolle-Musigny
3. Less powerful than Corton Grand Cru, but in a similar structural family

Aging Potential

1. Can be enjoyed after ~5–8 years
2. Peaks around 10–15 years depending on vintage
3. Develops tertiary notes:
4. Truffle
5. Leather
6. Dried herbs and forest floor

Food Pairing

Best with richer, savory dishes:

1. Roast duck or game birds
2. Beef bourguignon
3. Mushroom-based dishes
4. Aged cheeses (Comté, Gruyère)

Overall Impression

Louis Latour Aloxe-Corton “Les Chaillots” is a structured, age-worthy Premier Cru Burgundy Pinot Noir that emphasizes dark fruit, earthiness, and firm tannins. It is best suited for drinkers who appreciate serious, cellar-worthy red Burgundy with a more muscular profile rather than delicate or perfumed styles.