Corton-Charlemagne

The appellation takes its name from its history. Produced on a vineyard between the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Blanc owes its name to two emperors: Curtis d'Othon, who was the first to give his name to the terroir, and Charlemagne. In 775, Charlemagne donated his vineyards to the collegiate church of Saint-Andoche de Saulieu, which cultivated them until the French Revolution. The Carolingian emperor was nicknamed "the emperor with the flowery beard" because of the red wine stains he got from drinking. Legend has it that to avoid getting dirty, he ordered Chardonnay to be planted in order to produce white wine. 

Facing southeast/southwest, which is rare on the coast, the hillside of Corton-Charlemagne 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 potash content. Chardonnay, used exclusively for the Corton-Charlemagne wine Grand Cru, occupies the upper part of the slope. The vineyard of Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru covers an area of nearly 52 hectares, producing around 2,160 hectoliters of white wine annually.

The elegance and finesse of Corton-Charlemagne

The Corton-Charlemagne is a dry, non-sparkling white wine. It is a wine for aging, revealing its richness after about ten years. However, it can be aged in the cellar for 25 to 30 years. It has specific characteristics. First of all, its color is pale gold with green highlights. As it ages, it evolves towards amber. Next, on the nose, this great wine seduces with its various fruity and floral aromas, including notes of baked apple, lime blossom, fern, and cinnamon. Finally, its roundness on the palate is exceptional. The wine from the Corton-Charlemagne estate expresses a harmonious, delicate, and elegant ensemble. 

Rarely does the grace of a grape variety establish such a close link with the character of its terroir, thanks in particular to the involvement of high-quality producers such as Domaine Faiveley, Domaine Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Leroy, Maison Bouchard Père et Fils, and Maison Louis Jadot. 

Burgundy remains one of France's leading wine-producing regions, home to several AOC wines. Among the "Grands Crus" appellations, north of Beaune lies the vineyard of Corton-CharlemagneSeveral classified climates produce the Charlemagne wine including Le Charlemagne, En Charlemagne, Les Pougets, Le Corton, and Les Languettes. These defined plots are spread across three villages: Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serrigny, and Pernand-Vergelesses. It is customary not to mention the name of the climat on the labels of Corton-Charlemagne bottles.

The ideal terroir for Bourgogne Charlemagne

Facing south, the grape variety enjoys perfect exposure on the slopes of Montagne de Corton. The vineyard occupies the top of the mountain at an altitude of between 280 and 330 meters, ensuring adequate sunshine. It covers 52 hectares on steep slopes (20 to 23%). Chardonnay is planted on limestone soils rich in marl and clay. These geological and climatic conditions contribute to the exceptional personality of the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Charlemagne white wine and food pairings

When tasted, this Burgundy wine surprises with its balance and the strength of its flavors. Thepurchase of a Corton Charlemagne is ideal for elegant, refined meals. This grand cru with character pairs perfectly with noble dishes such as foie gras, langoustines, lobster, crayfish, crab, and poultry. Corton-Charlemagne white price Discover our selection of Charlemagne grands crus and buy your bottles of wine at the best price.