1963 was a busy year for the fine wine world. Jean Taupenot married Denise Merme, bringing about two immense unions: a marriage among lovers, and a marriage among wine lovers that created Taupenot-Merme. Based in the Côte de Beaune, Domaine Taupenot-Merme owns 32 acres of vineyards across 19 appellations that also include some in the Côte de Nuits. Making wine from both grand cru and premier cru vineyards including Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, Taupenot-Merme also owns a very small but prestigious portion of the Clos des Lambrays. Annual production is approximately 70,000 bottles; varietals are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay. Since 2001, the farm has been organically cultivated, and makes both red and white wines. The aging process of each red cuvee is dependent upon proportion and tastings. The Chardonnay is decanted for several weeks before fermentation, aged on lees, and then filtered to maintain its brightness and vibrancy. Long run by Jean Taupenot, his and Denise’s children, Virginie and Romain, took over the operation of the estate, establishing the leadership of the seventh generation of Taupenot winemakers. Virginie and Romain were instrumental in implementing organic protocols, and currently claim no label. They prefer to bring consumers wines that represent their terroirs as closely as possible. Recommended: Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2001, 2002, 2005