La Tâche AOC

French wine appellation

La Tâche is a prestigious AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) for red wine in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, France. It is a monopole of the renowned Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which means that the vineyard is exclusively owned and operated by a single entity. La Tâche is celebrated for producing some of the most sought-after and expensive wines in the world.

History

The history of La Tâche dates back to the 13th century when it was owned by the Abbey of Saint-Vivant. Over the centuries, the vineyard changed hands several times, eventually becoming part of the holdings of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in 1933. The vineyard's name, "La Tâche," is derived from the French word for "task" or "job," reflecting the labor-intensive nature of viticulture in this region.

Geography and Terroir

La Tâche vineyard from above

La Tâche is located in the commune of Vosne-Romanée, within the Côte-d'Or department. The vineyard covers an area of approximately 6.06 hectares (15 acres) and is situated on a gentle slope with an ideal southeast exposure. The soil is predominantly composed of limestone and clay, which contributes to the unique terroir that defines the character of La Tâche wines.

The climate in this region is classified as continental, with warm summers and cold winters. The combination of soil, climate, and topography creates a microclimate that is particularly favorable for the cultivation of Pinot noir, the grape variety used exclusively in La Tâche wines.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The viticultural practices at La Tâche are meticulous and adhere to traditional methods. The vineyard is planted with high-density vines, which encourages competition among the plants and results in lower yields of higher quality grapes. The vines are pruned using the Guyot system, and the harvest is conducted by hand to ensure that only the best grapes are selected.

In the winery, the grapes undergo a careful fermentation process in open wooden vats. The wine is then aged in new oak barrels for approximately 18 to 24 months. This aging process imparts additional complexity and structure to the wine, allowing it to develop its characteristic aromas and flavors.

Characteristics of the Wine

La Tâche wines are renowned for their depth, complexity, and longevity. They typically exhibit a deep ruby color and a bouquet of red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, along with floral notes of violet and rose. As the wine ages, it develops secondary aromas of truffle, leather, and spice.

On the palate, La Tâche is full-bodied with a rich texture and well-integrated tannins. The wine's balance of acidity and fruit concentration allows it to age gracefully for several decades, making it a prized addition to any wine collector's cellar.

Market and Pricing

Labels of La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

Due to its limited production and high demand, La Tâche is one of the most expensive wines in the world. It is often sold at auction and can command prices that reach thousands of dollars per bottle. The exclusivity and reputation of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti contribute significantly to the wine's market value.

Related Pages

• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
• Vosne-Romanée
• Pinot noir
• Burgundy wine
• Côte de Nuits