Category: Le Clos du Roi

Situated within the Côte de Beaune district of Burgundy, Le Clos du Roi is one of the most prestigious climats of the Corton Grand Cru appellation. This historic walled vineyard, whose name translates to “the walled vineyard of the king,” occupies a prime position high on the eastern slopes of the Montagne de Corton. It is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir.
  
Encompassing just over 10.7 hectares (26 acres), Le Clos du Roi is strategically positioned at the very center of the southeast-facing side of Corton Hill. This orientation ensures optimal sun exposure, which is crucial for the ripening of Pinot Noir grapes. The terroir here is characterized by pebbly, potassium-rich marlstone soils enriched with a reddish hue from the ferruginous (iron) oolite seam that runs through the midslope. These soil conditions provide excellent drainage, essential for preventing rot during the late stages of grape maturation.
  
The steep eastern slopes of Montagne de Corton further enhance the vineyard’s suitability for Pinot Noir, distinguishing it from the hill’s western side, where Chardonnay is more commonly cultivated. The unique combination of soil composition, elevation at 300 meters, and eastward exposure creates an ideal microclimate that imparts distinct minerality and finesse to the wines produced here.
  
Le Clos du Roi boasts a rich historical legacy, long associated with French royalty and the nobility of Burgundy. The vineyard’s illustrious past was closely tied to the French king and later to the dukes and nobles who acted as its custodians. This royal connection persisted until the upheavals of the French Revolution, leading to the vineyard being sold in parcels.
  
In 1931, Le Clos du Roi was officially granted the right to use the Corton name, and by 1936, it had achieved Grand Cru status. Despite some criticism regarding the mid-20th century expansion of Grand Cru zones, Le Clos du Roi’s terroir has consistently been recognized as deserving of its prestigious designation. Under appellation laws, wines bearing the Corton Le Clos du Roi label are exclusively produced from grapes grown within this climat, ensuring authenticity and adherence to the highest quality standards.
  
While Le Clos du Roi is predominantly celebrated for its Pinot Noir, contributing to the classic Corton red wine profile, approximately 5% of Corton wines are crafted as pure Chardonnay, marketed under the Corton Blanc designation. This duality showcases the vineyard’s versatility and the exceptional quality of red and white wines within its boundaries.
  
The Pinot Noirs from Le Clos du Roi are renowned for their richness and relatively high tannin structure. They lend an austere character in their youth but promise remarkable development with age. Tasting notes frequently highlight flavors of violets, forest berries, leather, and earthy undertones, reflecting the wine’s complexity and depth.
  
On the other hand, Corton Blanc, from this climat, is esteemed as one of Burgundy’s finest white wines. It is celebrated for its harmonious blend of fruit flavors, such as figs and baked pears, complemented by a pronounced mineral character, mainly flint, which is more prominent in wines from the cooler western slopes of the vineyard.
  
Montagne de Corton is a significant limestone outcrop, distinct from the main Côte d’Or escarpment. Vines blanket almost every slope of this lozenge-shaped hill, with the Grand Cru-classified sections gracefully extending from due east to due west. This expansive and varied terroir allows for cultivating a diverse range of wines, each expressing the unique characteristics of their specific vineyard parcels.