Corton is a Grand Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune in the Côtes d'Or. The Corton appellation may be followed by the name of the climat from which the wine originates, for the red wine only. The
Corton Grand Cru vineyards are in the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serigny and Pernand-Vergelesses. The vineyard area of nearly 94 hectares, which is fairly extensive for a Grand Cru, explains the notable differences in the character of the appellation’s wines. This diversity finds its perfect expression in the wines produced by quality producers such as Domaine Chanson Père & Fils, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Faiveley and Bouchard Père et Fils.
Facing southeast/southwest, which is uncommon in the Côte, a cross-section of the Corton hill reveals a classic geological picture: the Oxfordian Jurassic limestone lying between Ladoix and Meursault is younger than elsewhere on the Côte. At mid-slope, the gradient is gentle and the soil reddish and pebbly, derived from brown limestone with rich deposits of marl with a high potassium content. Here the Pinot Noir reaches its full potential. The Chardonnay, (which gives us the Corton-Charlemagne), occupies the top of the slope.
The Corton Grand Cru Wine is primarily a red wine of which approximately 3,200 hectolitres are produced. The Corton Grand Cru red displays an intense velvety crimson darkening towards magenta. Firm, honest and fat, it needs time (4-12 years) to reach its peak. The Corton Grand Cru white is much rarer (200 hectolitres per year), but is just as coveted and has a cellar-ageing potential of 4-10 years.
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Corton