Domaine Louis Latour

Burgundy wines for the highest demands

Burgundy is one of the best-known growing areas for fine wines. Its good reputation is no coincidence, but is based on centuries of tradition and the highest quality standards. The Maison Louis Latour has helped to write a few chapters in this success story – which you may soon benefit from as well?

A wine house with more than 200 years of history

Decades before the Maison was founded, the family ran a small cooperage. In 1731, Denis Latour acquired the first vineyards on the Côte de Beaune. His grandson Jean launched the Maison Latour in 1797. The following Louis-Etienne did not just continue to run the winery, but also made a name for himself as a wine merchant. In 1867 Louis III. to Rue des Tonnelliers, where the winegrowing family still has its headquarters today. The acquisition of Château Corton Grancey in 1891 also underscored the rise of the Maison, which, in addition to 33 hectares of the best vineyards, also includes a historic press house that still today attracts wine lovers from all over the world.

As early as 1815, the house exported its first wines to Great Britain. Over the course of the century, more and more sales markets were added, such as the United States, Argentina and Belgium. The quality of Burgundy wines also got around to the ruling houses of Europe. The Maison Louis Latour developed into the purveyor to the court of princes and kings. The wines were toasted at the Bavarian court as well as by the King of Württemberg. When the new century was celebrated at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900, Latour wines from Grand Cru sites could not be missing. Over time, many well-known customers were added, including world-famous restaurants and luxurious hotels such as the Hotel de Paris in Monaco or the Ritz in Paris.

Family tradition in the tenth generation

The first-class quality is not the only trademark of the wine house, which has always relied on innovation in winemaking and sales. For example, in the second half of the 19th century, wine began to be sent in bottles instead of barrels in order to keep them fresh longer. Viticulture that is as sustainable as possible has been a matter of course for Maison Latour for decades, even if it is not important to emphasize this loudly. Of course, the Latour family was and is responsible for all these decisions.

Since 1997, Louis Latour has been part of the exclusive Hénokiens club, which only accepts companies that have been in the family for 200 years and still bear the name of the founder. The current owner is Louis-Fabrice Latour and represents the tenth generation. At Latour, cultivating tradition is not an empty formula, but an affair of the heart. This is also clear from the peculiarity of the naming, because Louis-Fabrice is the seventh Latour of the wine dynasty to bear the first name Louis. Two of his sons are also named Louis – certainly no coincidence.

The vineyards of the House of Louis Latour

The Maison Latour covers more than 50 hectares of vineyards. The bulk falls on the appellation Aloxe Corton. Here is Château Corton Grancey, surrounded by a large 18th-century walled garden and long the summer residence of the Latour family. In the picturesque surroundings, which are characterized by vineyards, guests are still received and special occasions are organised. The Cuverie Corton-Grancey is also extremely traditional. Those lucky enough to attend a tasting in the venerable cellar will find themselves in a silent place where time seems to stand still.

Wine production mainly takes place in Savigny-les-Beaune, where white wines and red Négoce wines are produced. However, Latour is active in practically all major Burgundy appellations. It starts with little Bourgogne and continues through the Côte Maconnais, the Côte d'Or and the Chablis. First-class wines are also produced in the Ardèche.

Which wines does the range include?

A special feature of the Louis Latour house is that white wines are almost as important as red wines. The family business not only owns some of the best and most well-known Grand Cru sites in all of Burgundy, but has also helped shape the history of top wines. At the end of the 19th century, they were one of the first winegrowers to postpone the grape harvest for as long as possible - a decision that greatly benefited the quality of the wines.

With eleven hectares, the family owns the largest plot in the Grand Cru Corton-Charlemange. After fermentation, the white wines produced here are stored in the classic way in small wooden barrels. The soils in Ardèche are rich in clay and lime - the ideal basis for exquisite Chardonnays. In the Domaine de Valmoissine, on the other hand, the winemaker has specialized entirely in Pinot Noir. The Simonnet-Febvre winery can look back on a long tradition, where every drop of Chablis and Crémants reflects the character of the region. Excellent Beaujolais Crus come from the Brouilly appellation.

Whether you are a connoisseur or an investor, should you be interested in Latour wines, a purchase could be worth more than just a passing consideration.