Corton-Charlemagne

The appellation takes its name from its history. Produced in the vineyards between Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Blanc owes its name to two emperors: Curtis d'Othon, who first gave his name to the terroir, and Charlemagne. In 775, Charlemagne donated his vines to the collegiate church of Saint-Andoche de Saulieu, who farmed them until the French Revolution. The Carolingian was nicknamed the Emperor with the Flowery Beard because of the red wine stains he used to make while drinking. Legend has it that, to avoid getting dirty, he ordered the planting of Chardonnay to produce white wine. 

Facing south-east/south-west, which is unusual for the Côte d'Azur, the hillside of Corton-Charlemagne offers a perfect geological cross-section: the Jurassic Oxfordian layers here between Ladoix and Meursault are younger than in the rest of the Côte. At mid-slope, the gently sloping soil is reddish and stony, brown limestone, rich in marl with a high potassium content. Chardonnay, used exclusively for the Corton-Charlemagne wine Grand Cru, occupies the upper part of the slope. The vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru covers an area of almost 52 hectares, producing some 2,160 hectolitres of white wine alone each year.

The elegance and finesse of Corton-Charlemagne

Visit Corton-Charlemagne is a dry, non-sparkling white wine. It is a wine for laying down, revealing its richness after around ten years. However, it can be cellared 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. Then, 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, the round, long finish is exceptional. Domaine Corton-Charlemagne's wine is harmonious, delicate and elegant. 

Rarely has the grace of the grape variety established such a close link with the character of its terroir, thanks in particular to the involvement of top-quality houses 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-growing regions, home to several AOC wines. Among the "Grands Crus" Appellations, north of Beaune is the vineyard of Corton-Charlemagne. Several classified climates produce Charlemagne wine including Le Charlemagne, En Charlemagne, Les Pougets, Le Corton and Les Languettes. These demarcated plots are spread around three villages: Aloxe-CortonLadoix- Serrigny and Pernand-Vergelesses. It is customary not to mention the name of the climate on Corton-Charlemagne bottle labels.

The right terroir for Charlemagne Burgundy

South-facing, the vineyard enjoys perfect exposure on the slopes of the Montagne de Corton. The vineyard occupies the top of the mountain at an altitude of between 280 and 330 m, ensuring adequate sunshine. It extends over 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 Chardonnay's exceptional personality. Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Charlemagne white wine and food pairings

When tasted, this Burgundy wine is astonishing for its balance and the strength of its flavours. L'purchase of a Corton Charlemagne is the perfect accompaniment to a distinguished, delicate meal. This characterful grand cru goes 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.