The Louis Latour family first bought vineyards on the Côte De Beaune in the heart of the Burgundy region in 1731. Barrel making was already a family occupation at that time, and in 1768 Jean Latour moved to Aloxe-Corton and set up his own cooperage. The maison was founded in 1797 and the first export to the UK was in 1815. The Latour family continued to expand their vineyard holdings through the years and in 1867 became a négociant. Up until now the wines had all been delivered in barrel, but from then on they started to innovate by adapting and developing new vinification and sales techniques and began to sell most of their wines in bottles rather than barrel to preserve freshness. Acquisition of more vineyard holdings continued through the 20th century, and into the 21st century. Outside of the Côte d'Or they own Henry Fessy in Beaujolais, Simonnet Febvre in Chablis, Louis Latour in Les Pierres-Dorées, Louis Latour in the Var and Louis Latour in the Ardèche. These are collectively known as the Domaines Louis Latour. The house has built up a great tradition for producing excellent wines and they are one of the most highly respected négociant-éleveurs in Burgundy. They continue to have their own cooperage, which is unique in Burgundy today. Louis Latour farm sustainably. Since 1998 they have been part of the FARRE farms circuit (Forum de l'Agriculture Raisonée Respectueuse de l'Environment), using biological methods where possible, and in 2003 gained International ISO 14001 Environmental Certification. They have 50 hectares under vine; 27 of these are Grand Cru. They own the largest holdings of Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. The wines from their family-owned vineyards are vinified and aged in their historic cuverie at Chateau Corton Grancey in Aloxe-Corton, which was completed in 1834. This was the first purpose built winery in France and is the oldest still functioning. It was revolutionary for its time, built over five levels so that all movement in the wine-making process could be carried out by gravity. The house is still family run, now 11th generation, headed up by the 7th Louis Latour, Louis-Fabrice Latour. In 1997 Louis Latour became a member of the Hénokiens. This is an exclusive club that only admits companies that remain family owned for 200 years or more, and still bear the name of the founder. The Louis Latour tradition is for each generation to innovate for the generation to come.
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