Louis Latour Beaune Vignes Franches 2017
Ships from San Diego, California
Historically the owners of this area did not have to pay tax on the land, hence the name 'Vignes Franches' ('free vines'). The Beaune Premier Cru "Vignes Franches" parcel, important part of Domaine Louis Latour, is found mid-slope. The clay soils are scattered with small pebbles which allows for easy drainage of water. Here we find the same opulence as in neighbouring Pommard, as well as an extremely pleasant fruit-forwardness even when young. It is one of the best Premier Cru vineyards of Beaune, producing a wine that is capable of ageing to perfection for a considerable period of time.
TASTING NOTES
AGING
10 to 12 months ageing in oak barrels, 25% new
BARRELS
Louis Latour cooperage, French oak, medium toasted
TASTING NOTES
Our Beaune 1er Cru "Vignes Franches" has an intense ruby, cherry red colour, with tight, concentrated aromas of sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit, chocolate, spice and black pepper. Medium bodied, the palate offers a restrained elegance and power with succulent, round tannins. It is a wine with a long silky finish. Attractive youthful fruit with great promise for the mid-term. A wine not to miss!
FOOD PAIRING
Beef "Bourguignon" - duck breast - woodcock - Camembert - soft cheeses.
SUSTAINABILITY
Respect for terroir is one of the fundamental values of Maison Louis Latour, who have practised reasoned agriculture (certified ISO14001) for almost 20 years. Understanding and interpreting the geological complexity of each parcel is indispensable, and it is for this reason that we regularly undertake soil analysis of entire slices of earth in order to study the interaction between the terroir and our wines.
If a noble terroir is undoubtedly one of the essential elements in the production of a great wine, the work of our highly qualified team is also crucial and highly valuable. Extreme rigour and meticulous care are necessary when applying the correct gestures and techniques, notably when pruning and leaf thinning.
Healthy soil is also primordial for the development of the vines, which is why Maison Louis Latour uses specific organic techniques to combat vine pests and diseases. These organic substances also reduce the need for pesticides. Maison Louis Latour also makes its own compost (around 70 tonnes) from vine pruning wood and grape skins - a by-product of pressing - thus eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers.
Traditional viticultural methods have been perpetuated by Maison Louis Latour. Young vines on steep slopes -making access difficult for machines - are ploughed using horses. Working in this way avoids compacting the earth and allows the vine root systems to plunge deeply into the soil to better regulate their water intake.
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