Louis Latour Savigny-Les-Beaune 2016

Château Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most renowned wine estates, known for its rich history and the exceptional quality of its wines. Founded in 1797, the estate has remained a family business since its inception, maintaining a winemaking tradition spanning several generations. Located in Aloxe-Corton, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune in the Savigny les Beaune appellation, the estate covers some 48 hectares including 27 hectares of Grand Cru, making it the largest property in Burgundy. 

Because of its size, the vineyards are divided into two parts: one to the west of Beaune and the other bordering the first parcels of the village of Aloxe-Corton. The red wines of Savigny are very similar to those of Beaune. Louis Latour's terroir is spread over several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The estate is exceptionally rich, with a wide variety of soils, mainly limestone, marl and clay, offering a range of microclimates ideal for growing the noble grape varieties of Burgundy.

Every stage of production, from vine-growing to vinification and ageing, is carried out with meticulous care and a deep respect for Burgundian traditions. Louis Latour combines tradition and innovation to produce its wines. The grapes are harvested by hand, enabling a rigorous selection of the best grapes. Vinification follows traditional methods that have been perfected over generations. For the red wines, fermentation takes place in open vats with manual punching of the cap, ensuring gentle extraction of tannins and aromas. The white wines, meanwhile, are fermented and matured in oak barrels, often new, to add hints of vanilla and hazelnut to the wine. The château grows the emblematic Burgundy grape varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The wines of Maison Louis Latour are distinguished by their elegance, finesse and ability to faithfully reflect the unique characteristics of each terroir. The reds offer intense aromas of red and black fruits, floral and spicy notes, with silky tannins and a fine structure. The whites, meanwhile, are renowned for their purity, freshness and aromatic richness, with nuances of white-fleshed fruit, citrus and minerality.

Louis Latour is committed to sustainable viticulture, seeking to minimize the environmental impact of its farming practices. The estate uses integrated cultivation techniques, limiting the use of chemicals and encouraging biodiversity in the vineyards. Emphasis is also placed on soil management, using traditional ploughing methods and biological pest control.

Louis Latour Savigny-lès-Beaune 2016 is an emblematic Côte de Beaune red wine made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes. This wine perfectly captures the essence of the unique terroir of Savigny-lès-Beaune, known for its exceptional quality and character. The 2016 vintage stands out due to the meticulous care taken during the grape selection process. Grapes were carefully selected and hand-picked to ensure the highest quality. The fermentation process takes place in open vats with regular punching down and pumping over, allowing for optimal extraction of aromas, tannins, and color from the grapes. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in French oak barrels for approximately 10 to 12 months, which imparts additional complexity and depth. 

This vintage is notable for its dark ruby color. The nose is an inviting bouquet of red fruits and liquorice, offering a fragrant preview of what is to come. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-balanced, with pronounced flavors of cherry and a hint of spice. The finish is long and refined, leaving a lasting impression of freshness and complexity.

"A bright cherry red intensity, with pronounced aromas of freshly crushed strawberries and morello cherries. A firm tannic structure, this is a medium bodied wine with a generous plump ripe fruit character and a fine length."