Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 is a white wine from the renowned Maison Louis Latour, a family-owned winery based in Beaune, Burgundy, France. This entry-level Chardonnay from the Bourgogne AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
showcases the classic characteristics of Burgundian Chardonnay, offering a fresh, approachable, and versatile expression of the grape at an accessible price point. The 2023 vintage reflects Louis Latour’s commitment to quality and tradition, making
it an excellent introduction to their portfolio.
Winery Background
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Winery: Maison Louis Latour, founded in 1797, is one of Burgundy’s most respected and historic wine houses, now in its 11th generation of family ownership. With 48 hectares of vineyards, including prime Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites
in the Côte d’Or, the winery is known for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines.
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Philosophy: Louis Latour emphasizes sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking, with a focus on showcasing the purity of Chardonnay. Their Bourgogne Chardonnay is crafted to reflect the region’s limestone-rich soils and cool
climate, balancing fruit, acidity, and minerality.
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Production: The winery produces approximately 350,000 cases annually, with the Bourgogne Chardonnay being one of their most widely distributed wines, sourced from vineyards across the Burgundy region.
2023 Vintage Overview
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Climate and Harvest: According to Louis Latour’s website, the 2023 vintage in Burgundy was marked by favorable conditions. A mild winter and early spring led to early bud break, followed by a warm, sunny summer that ensured good ripeness.
Some late-season rain required careful vineyard management, but the Chardonnay grapes achieved excellent balance, with bright acidity and ripe fruit flavors. The harvest for white grapes occurred in early September, yielding healthy fruit with
vibrant character.
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Grape Quality: The 2023 vintage produced Chardonnays with expressive fruit, crisp acidity, and a touch of minerality, making it a strong year for approachable, high-quality wines like the Bourgogne Chardonnay.
Product Specifications
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Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Appellation: Bourgogne AOC, covering vineyards across Burgundy, including plots in the Côte d’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais.
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Vinification: Grapes are hand-harvested and pressed immediately to preserve freshness. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats to retain the wine’s fruit-forward profile, followed by malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and
add creamy texture. The wine is aged for 8–10 months in stainless steel, with no oak influence, ensuring a pure expression of Chardonnay.
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Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
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Vintage: 2023
Tasting Notes
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Color: Pale gold with green reflections, typical of young Burgundy Chardonnay.
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Aroma: Fresh and aromatic, with notes of green apple, lemon zest, white peach, and a hint of floral tones (acacia or honeysuckle). Subtle mineral notes reflect Burgundy’s limestone terroir.
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Palate: Crisp and well-balanced, offering flavors of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), ripe apple, and a touch of pear. The wine is light to medium-bodied, with lively acidity and a creamy texture from malolactic fermentation. The finish
is clean, with a refreshing mineral edge.
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Characteristics: This wine is approachable and versatile, embodying the classic Burgundian Chardonnay style—fresh, fruit-driven, and unoaked, with a focus on purity and elegance.