Faiveley Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru

Legend has it that the Corton hillside was once planted exclusively with red grape variety and that Charlemagne himself had a penchant for these wines. Unfortunately, the red wine left scarlet stains in the Emperor's beard and his wife feared that this would bring shame upon the royal dignity. Charlemagne therefore decided to replant the vineyards with white grape variety in order to continue drinking his favourite wine. Domaine Faiveley purchased this parcel in 1874 along with the Corton "Clos des Cortons Faiveley" Grand Cru Monopole.

Winemaker notes

The nose reveals oaky, fruity and floral notes. The palate is concentrated and well-balanced with excellent aromatic persistency. The rich aromas make this Grand Cru enjoyable in its youth although it only develops its full character after a few years of bottle age. An exceptional wine with depth and minerality.

2020

BH 93-95: A cool, restrained and airy nose features notes of mineral reduction, smoked green apple and pretty floral wisps. There is fine density and power to the larger-bodied flavors that possess a caressing if markedly intense flavors that exhibit outstanding depth and persistence. This is an excellent wine that displays first-rate fruit-acid and concentration balance.

WA 94-96: The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has turned out especially well, opening in the glass with aromas of pear, peach, white flowers, freshly baked bread, nutmeg and hazelnuts. Full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it's unusually textural and broad-shouldered for this Ladoix-derived cuvée, displaying bright acids and chalky structuring extract.