Corton, which can also be white, is the only red wine of the Grand Cru appellation in the Côte de Beaune, produced in one of Burgundy's most famous locations, on the slopes of the Montagne de Corton hillside.
The Corton appellation occupies the slopes of the Montagne de Corton hill in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy. It is the largest Grand Cru vineyard in the region and one of only two that produces wines from both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (the other being the Musigny vineyard). The wines of Corton were a favorite of Emperor Charlemagne, who gave his name to the white wines produced on the western slopes of the hill.
Table of Contents:
- Corton Vineyard
- Grape varieties
- Corton Grand Cru Rouge
- Corton Grand Cru Blanc
- Location and features of the terroir
- Corton Blanc
- Flavor characteristics
- History of Corton
Corton Vineyard
The vineyard extends over 145 hectares in the communes of Alox-Corton, Ladoix-Serrigny, and Pernand-Vergelesses, which surround the hill. As with the Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis, the name Corton on the label is usually accompanied by the name of the specific clime where the wine was produced.
Grape varieties
Although it is generally believed that Corton Grand Cru rouge is made from Pinot Noir and Corton Grand Cru blanc is made from Chardonnay, this is officially more flexible, partly because of Pinot Noir's known tendency to mutate into Pinot Blanc. Despite the legally authorized flexibility, producers rarely take full advantage of it.
Corton Grand Cru Rouge
The wine is based on Pinot Noir, but appellation rules allow for the addition of small amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. This practice is common in many appellations in Burgundy's central Côte d'Or.
In general, Pinot Noir should make up at least 75% of any red wine section. The proportions in the final wines are not strictly regulated, but Pinot Noir is generally around 75% or higher and in most cases almost 100% of any Corton Grand Cru red wine.
Corton Grand Cru Blanc
Although Corton Grand Cru Blanc is almost entirely Chardonnay in most cases, a small amount of Pinot Blanc is allowed. In the vineyard, Pinot Blanc may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of vines on the site where the white wine is produced, and in any blend, its presence must not exceed 30 percent.
Location and features of the terroir
Thanks to the difference in terroir around Corton Hill, the differences between these climatic zones are very noticeable. The Perrières vineyard, for example, is known for its beautiful reds, Les Vergennes for its flinty whites, and the Clos du Roi reds for their balance of power and elegance.
Corton Hill itself is a large limestone ledge located slightly off the main escarpment of the Côte d'Or. It marks the northern end of the Côte de Beaune and the end of the vineyard-dotted plain that flows north from Beaune.
The rhombus-shaped hilltop is covered by a dense forest known as the Bois de Corton. A few years ago there were rumors that the woodland was going to be sold off to plant new vineyards, which alarmed many producers who believed it could radically change the microclimate on the hill, but this never happened.
Vineyards occupy the slopes of the hill almost all around its circumference, although the grand cru rating only covers the southern half, stretching majestically from east to west.
The eastern side is slightly warmer - it is more exposed to the morning sun - and richer in the marl that suits Pinot Noir so well. Corton is much better known as an area of red wines, which are produced from 90 hectares of Pinot Noir.
Corton Blanc
The Corton Blanc plots are located about halfway up the vineyard slope (Chardonnay grown on plots closer to the forest is classified as Corton-Charlemagne). At both levels, the Pinot Noir is classified as Corton.
At the foot of the hill is a strip of Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru plots, followed by village-level plots.
It is thought that the northern and western slopes of the hill are reserved for white wines and the southern and eastern slopes for red wines, but this is not entirely true. Several south-facing climes of Corton grow Chardonnay vines, most notably Les Vergennes and Les Languettes. Several Corton Blanc wines are produced from these vines.
Overall, Corton Blanc (unlike neighboring Corton-Charlemagne and Charlemagne) is produced from just 4.5 hectares of Chardonnay scattered across the hillside.
Flavor characteristics
A classic red wine, Corton is characterized by a full-bodied and relatively tannic flavor, meaning it is quite austere in its youth but develops well with age. Tasting reviews of Corton often mention aromas of violets, wild berries, leather, and earthy notes.
Corton-Charlemagne is considered one of the best white wines of Burgundy and is renowned for its combination of fruit flavors (figs and baked pears) and mineral character (flint) - the latter particularly prevalent in wines from the cooler western slopes.
Wines from Corton are highly respected and can reach high prices, although they are not as prestigious as those from Montrachet or Romanée-Conti.
History of Corton
Corton was granted grand cru status in 1937, like many other famous Burgundy vineyards.
However, its reputation dates back to ancient times. Wines were first produced here during the reign of Charlemagne, who died in 814 AD. According to legend, Charlemagne ordered white grapes to be planted on the western slope of the hill so that the wine would not stain his white beard.
The first vineyards were planted with Aligote and Chardonnay came later. Today, white wines from Corton are considered some of the most expensive in the world, although their value falls short of the prices of wines from Montrachet.
In the Middle Ages, the vineyards of Corton were tended by the monks of the local monasteries. During the French Revolution, most of the vineyards were confiscated and sold at auction.
Today the vineyards are owned by several well-known producers such as Louis Latour, the largest landowner, as well as Bonneau du Martray, Bouchard Père et Fils, and Hospices de Beaune. The 2019 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019 wine from Domaine Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey deserves a special mention.
Corton Clos du Roy Grand Cru 2016 Domaine Antonin Guyon
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019 Domaine Pierre–Yves Colin–Morey