Corton-Charlemagne
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- The relief corresponds to the slopes of the 'Montagne de Corton', an isolated spur of the Côte de Beaune set apart between two valleys draining the hinterland.
- At the foot of the slope, the limestones of the 'Dalle nacrée' of the Middle Jurassic, breaking apart into slabs known as 'laves', rarely outcrop as they are largely covered by colluvial deposits, and give rise to shallow, well-drained soils that are nonetheless rich in clay.
- The upper half of the slope rests on a marly series of the Upper Jurassic rich in silica, present in the form of 'chailles' or fine sands and silts, with silty soils that are susceptible to erosion and of low fertility.
- The geological sequence is crowned by a band of hard limestone forming a wooded escarpment at 385 metres altitude, which defines the distinctive landscape of Corton.
- The parcels are situated between 240 and 350 metres altitude with varied aspects ranging from east-facing towards the plain, through south-facing, and finally to west-facing.
Human factors
- The lieu-dit 'En Charlemagne' has been associated with the production of white wines since at least the eighteenth century, and in 1855 Dr Lavalle classified these wines among the 'vins hors ligne'.
- The appellation d'origine contrôlée Corton-Charlemagne was recognised by decree in 1937, as confirmed by the decree of 31 July 1937 which simultaneously created corton and charlemagne.
Product characteristics
- The appearance is golden, with richness and power accompanied by exceptional aromatic complexity, the nose very frequently expressing subtle notes of ripe fruit, spices, and dried fruit.
- The structure on the palate is at once supple and firm, underscored by mineral notes that bring freshness, with an impressive length and a great capacity for ageing after a sometimes austere youth.
Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.
About this boundary
On the map, at overview zooms, this appellation is drawn as a silhouette of its vineyard generalised at 210 m from the INAO parcel delimitation; the parcels themselves appear as you zoom in.
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