Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/711666
SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT 96 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 When it comes to Chardonnay, France has no peer. Not only is there more Chardonnay planted in France than anywhere else in the world, no other country has been able to fully replicate the personality or reach the heights that French Chardonnay can achieve. France has a long history with Chardonnay. Celebrated Chardonnay vineyards like Corton Charlemagne in Bourgogne* were famous as early as the 8th century. Although the vineyard at that time was probably a mix of indigenous varieties, it's fair to assume that Chardonnay was one of those varieties. In 1685 "Chardonnet" (as it was known then) was identified as the grape that made the best wines in Saone et Loire. The rich history and diverse styles of French Chardonnay were on display at the 2016 International Chardonnay Symposium. Entitled "French Forum: Exploring the Wonders of French Chardonnay," this sold-out seminar demonstrated why French Chardonnay is the standard by which all other Chardonnays in the world are judged. From regions like Languedoc Roussillon, where Chardonnay is a relative newcomer, to Bourgogne, a region synonymous with the grape, each wine made a definitive statement regarding price, style and quality. A Formidable Forum AT THIS YEAR'S INTERNATIONAL CHARDONNAY SYMPOSIUM, FRANCE'S EXQUISITE VERSIONS OF THE VARIETY TOOK CENTER STAGE by Bob Bath, MS / photos by Jeremy Ball Left to right are Bernard Retornaz, President of Maison Louis Latour; Bruno Laclotte of importer/distributor Regency Wines; Seminar Moderator Bob Bath, MS; Guillaume Suss, Export Manager for Chartron et Trebuchet; Lisa Brown of Boisset Collection, represent- ing Domaine de la Vougeraie; and Geoffroy de la Besnardière of Gonzalez Byass, representing Languedoc's Domaine de l'Arjolle. The tiny, walled, two acre Clos du Prieuré vineyard of Domaine de la Vougeraie lies literally next door to the famous Grand Cru vineyard Clos de Vougeot. The wine is from the Boisset Collection.