Category: Corton Grand Cru

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune district, Corton Grand Cru is the largest Grand Cru vineyard in the region. Corton is a monumental presence on the Montagne de Corton hill, covering an expansive 145 hectares (360 acres) across the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serrigny, and Pernand-Vergelesses. Renowned for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it is one of only two Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy to offer such dual appellations, the other being Musigny. This unique characteristic allows Corton to showcase a diverse range of high-quality wines, each reflecting the distinctive terroir of its specific climat.
 
Corton Grand Cru envelops the slopes of the Montagne de Corton, a prominent limestone outcrop that distinguishes itself from the main Côte d’Or escarpment. The vineyard spans nearly the entire circumference of this lozenge-shaped hill, with the Grand Cru classification primarily covering the southern half, extending gracefully from due east to due west. The eastern slopes, benefiting from warmer morning sunlight and enriched by potassium-rich marlstone soils with a reddish hue from the ferruginous oolite seam, are particularly well-suited for Pinot Noir cultivation. In contrast, the cooler western slopes are reserved for Chardonnay, where the mineral-rich soils impart a distinctive flinty character to the white wines.
 
Corton Grand Cru is predominantly celebrated for its robust Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay wines. While the red wines, Corton Grand Cru Rouge, are primarily made from Pinot Noir, appellation regulations permit minor additions of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. However, Pinot Noir must constitute at least 75 percent of any red wine plot, ensuring that the classic characteristics of Pinot Noir remain at the forefront. Conversely, Corton Grand Cru Blanc is almost exclusively Chardonnay, allowing up to 10 percent Pinot Blanc in the vineyard and 30 percent in the final blend. However, producers typically adhere closely to Chardonnay’s dominance.
 
The variation in terroir across Corton’s expansive vineyard leads to noticeable differences between its climats. Each climat within Corton Grand Cru is uniquely positioned to express specific aspects of the terroir:
 
– Perrières: Celebrated for its fine reds, Perrières produces Pinot Noir with exceptional finesse and depth.
– Les Vergennes: Known for its flinty whites, this climat produces Chardonnay with pronounced mineral characteristics.
– Clos du Roi: Renowned for balancing power and elegance, the red wines from Clos du Roi offer a harmonious blend of intensity and refinement.
 
This diversity allows Corton Grand Cru to produce a wide array of wines, each with its distinct personality, reflecting the micro-variations in soil, exposure, and slope.
 
The red wines from Corton are rich and relatively tannic, providing a robust structure that matures gracefully over time. In their youth, these wines exhibit austere elegance, which evolves into complex layers of flavor with age. Tasting notes often highlight violets, forest berries, leather, and earthy undertones, creating a sophisticated and multifaceted palate.
 
Corton Blanc, particularly from the renowned Corton-Charlemagne, is esteemed as one of Burgundy’s finest white wines. These wines are celebrated for their harmonious balance of fruit flavors, such as figs and baked pears, complemented by a distinct mineral character, especially flint, which is more pronounced in wines from the cooler western slopes. The combination of rich fruit and sharp minerality results in a wine of exceptional depth and elegance.
 
Corton’s illustrious history dates back to the reign of Emperor Charlemagne (AD 768-814), who is credited with establishing the first white grape plantings on the hill’s western side. Legend has it that Charlemagne chose Chardonnay for its light color, believing it would not stain his white beard. Planted initially with Aligoté before transitioning to Chardonnay, the vineyard has long been associated with nobility and prestige. The French Revolution marked a significant turning point, as the vineyard was confiscated and sold in parcels. Today, the vineyard is owned and managed by several illustrious producers, including Louis Latour, Bonneau du Martray, Bouchard Père et Fils, and the Hospices de Beaune, each contributing to Corton’s enduring legacy of excellence.
 
In 1931, Corton was officially granted the right to use its name, and by 1936, it had achieved Grand Cru status. Despite some contention over the mid-20th-century expansion of Grand Cru zones, Corton’s terroir has consistently proven worthy of its esteemed designation.