Corton-Charlemagne

Corton-Charlemagne is a Grand Cru appellation located on the Hill of Corton in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The vineyard spans portions of three communes: Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, and Ladoix-Serrigny. This white wine appellation covers approximately 72 hectares on the upper slopes of the hill, positioned above the red wine Grand Cru vineyards of Corton.

The vineyard sits at elevations between 280 and 330 meters on slopes with southwest to west-facing exposures. The soils consist primarily of limestone and marl with fossilized oyster deposits, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. Only Chardonnay is permitted for this appellation. The combination of altitude, exposure, and calcareous soils creates ideal conditions for producing structured white wines with notable aging potential.

Corton-Charlemagne wines are characterized by their power and mineral intensity, displaying greater structure and longevity than most other white Burgundies. Young wines typically show citrus and white fruit flavors with pronounced mineral notes, while mature examples develop complex aromas of honey, hazelnut, and spice. The wines require several years of cellaring to reach their full potential and can age gracefully for decades in optimal vintages.