Corton

Corton is a Grand Cru appellation in 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, but only for red wines. The Corton Grand Cru vineyards are located in the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serigny, and Pernand-Vergelesses. The vineyard area, covering nearly 94 hectares—which is relatively large for a Grand Cru—explains the contrasting nuances of this appellation. This diversity is expressed remarkably well by high-quality producers such as Domaine Chanson Père et Fils, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Faiveley, and Bouchard Père et Fils.

Facing southeast/southwest—a rare orientation in the Côte—the Corton hillside offers a perfect geological cross-section: the Oxfordian Jurassic layers here, between Ladoix and Meursault, are younger than in the rest of the Côte. Halfway up the hillside, the gently sloping soil is reddish and stony, brown limestone, rich in marl with a high potassium content. It allows Pinot Noir to reach its full potential. Chardonnay, grown primarily for Corton-Charlemagne, occupies the upper part of the slope.

Corton wines have a long history. Produced since at least the late 8th century by the region’s abbeys, they are said to have been Charlemagne’s favorite wines. The Grand Cru designation, granted in 1937, ranks them among the best wines in France.

Corton is one of the largest wine-growing areas in Burgundy. It covers the slopes of the Montagne de Corton in the Beaune region. Such a vast area (145 ha) results in a wide variety of specific climats, soils, and, consequently, wines. However, like most of the Burgundy region, the general climate is characterized as oceanic with semi-continental tendencies.

The high limestone content—the Montagne de Corton (which is actually a hill) is a limestone outcrop—provides the vines with excellent drainage. The middle of the hill is characterized by rich marl deposits, making it ideal for growing Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay is typically grown on the higher slopes. Finally, the eastern slope is slightly warmer than the western slope.

Corton wines are made primarily from Pinot Noir, but also from Chardonnay. However, the vast majority of Corton wines are red. In fact, Corton is the only Grand Cru appellation in the Côte de Beaune for red wine.

Characteristics of Corton Wines

Wine enthusiasts will find three Grands Crus on the Montagne de Corton:

• Corton

• Corton-Charlemagne

• Charlemagne

Corton-Charlemagne and Charlemagne (the latter being very rarely produced) are white wines made from Chardonnay. They are characterized by fruity aromas (apple, citrus) and their minerality (flint). They are golden in color when young, but become more yellow as they age. The richness of their aromas and their full-bodied flavor pair well with foods whose flavors can hold their own against them: foie gras, shellfish, and blue cheeses. Their ideal serving temperature is between 12 and 14°.

Most Corton wines are red, but there are a few whites that have characteristics relatively similar to those of Corton-Charlemagne.

Red Cortons are an iconic Burgundy wine. They require between 4 and 12 years of aging, after which they reach their peak. Red Cortons are slightly tannic, fruity (red currant, blueberry, and kirsch), and floral (violet). Their intensity and power on the palate pair well with roast beef, game, and strong cheeses. They should be served between 14 and 16°C.

With a history spanning 12 centuries, a prestigious Burgundy appellation, a white wine worthy of the finest Burgundies, and an exceptional red wine, Montagne de Corton is well worth a visit—whether you’re hiking through the vineyards or simply tasting the wines.