Louis Latour winery
Louis Latour is a historic wine producer based in Burgundy, France, with roots dating back to 1797. The company remains family-owned, now managed by the seventh generation, and is recognized for its dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation. The Latour family’s legacy began in Aloxe-Corton, where they established their headquarters and built a reputation for crafting exceptional wines from the region’s prestigious vineyards. Over the centuries, Louis Latour has expanded its holdings to encompass 50 hectares of vineyards, including an impressive 29 hectares of Grand Cru sites, the largest such holding in Burgundy.
The heart of Louis Latour’s production lies in the Côte de Beaune, particularly with their famed Corton-Charlemagne and Château Corton Grancey. The domaine practices sustainable viticulture, emphasizing respect for the environment and the unique terroirs of Burgundy. Their vineyards are managed with a focus on low yields and careful vine management, ensuring the grapes reach optimal maturity and express the subtleties of each plot. Louis Latour was among the pioneers in Burgundy to adopt replanting with disease-resistant rootstocks after the phylloxera crisis, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that continues today.
Louis Latour’s winery in Aloxe-Corton is notable for its traditional methods, including the use of their own cooperage. The family has produced their own oak barrels since the 19th century, allowing for precise control over the aging process and the influence of oak in their wines. The combination of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology is evident throughout the winemaking process, from careful grape selection to gentle pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled cellars.
While Burgundy is at the core of Louis Latour’s identity, the company has also expanded its reach beyond the region. In the late 20th century, they established vineyards in the Ardèche and Var regions, producing high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir outside Burgundy’s traditional boundaries. These ventures reflect the house’s commitment to exploring new terroirs while maintaining the standards that define the Louis Latour name.
The Louis Latour portfolio encompasses a wide range of wines, from village-level bottlings to some of the most sought-after Grand Crus. Their white wines, particularly Corton-Charlemagne, are celebrated for their richness, minerality, and longevity, while their reds, such as Chambertin and Romanée-Saint-Vivant, showcase elegance, complexity, and depth. Each wine is crafted to express the character of its origin, adhering to the philosophy that the vineyard should speak through the bottle.
Louis Latour is also known for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The domaine is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), reflecting responsible practices in the vineyard and winery. Efforts include integrated pest management, soil preservation, and water conservation, all aimed at preserving the land for future generations.
Today, Louis Latour stands as a symbol of Burgundian tradition and excellence, balancing respect for heritage with an openness to innovation. The house continues to be a benchmark for quality in Burgundy and beyond, producing wines that are celebrated around the world for their authenticity, finesse, and sense of place.