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Corton

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Corton
Corton is a Grand Cru appellation in the Côte de Beaune, Côtes-d'Or. The Corton appellation may be followed by the name of the climate from which the wine comes, for red wines only. Corton Grand Cru is located in the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serigny and Pernand-Vergelesses. The vineyard area of almost 94 hectares, relatively large for a Grand Cru, explains the contrasting nuances of this appellation. This diversity is remarkably well expressed by quality houses such as Domaine Chanson Père et Fils, Maison Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Faiveley and Maison Bouchard Père et Fils.

Facing south-east/south-west, which is uncommon in the Côte, the Corton hillside 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. Pinot noir flourishes here. Chardonnay, essentially dedicated to Corton-Charlemagne, occupies the upper part of the slope.

Corton wines have a long history. Produced since at least the end of the 8th century by the region's abbeys, they are reputed to have been Charlemagne's favorite wines. The Grand Cru appellation, obtained in 1937, ranks them among France's finest wines.

An oceanic, semi-continental climate

Corton is one of the largest in Burgundy. It covers the slopes of the Montagne de Corton in the Beaune region. Such a vast area (145 ha) means a multiplication of particular climates, soils and therefore wines. However, like most of the Burgundy region, the general climate is defined as oceanic with semi-continental tendencies.
The strong presence of limestone - the Montagne de Corton (actually a hill) is a limestone outcrop - provides excellent water drainage for the vines. The middle of the hill is marked by rich marl deposits, making it ideal for Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay is grown on the higher ground. Finally, the eastern slope is slightly warmer than the western.

Grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay


Corton wines are made mainly from Pinot Noir, but also from Chardonnay. Nevertheless, the bulk of Corton wine production is red. The Corton appellation is the only Grand Cru appellation in the Côte de Beaune for red wine.

Characteristics of Corton wines

There are three Grands Crus on the Montagne de Corton:
- Corton
- Corton-Charlemagne
- Charlemagne
Corton-Charlemagne and Charlemagne (the latter are rarely used) are white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. They are characterized by fruit aromas (apple, citrus) and minerality (flint). Their color is golden when young, becoming more yellow with age. The richness of their aromas and their power on the palate marry well with foods whose aromas can compete with it: foie gras, shellfish and blue cheeses. Their ideal serving temperature is between 12 and 14°.

Corton wines are predominantly red, but include a few whites with characteristics relatively similar to those of Corton-Charlemagne.

Red Cortons are an emblematic Burgundy wine. They take between 4 and 12 years to age, at which point they reach their peak. Red Cortons are lightly tannic, fruity (redcurrant, blueberry and kirch) and flowery (violet). Their intensity and power on the palate accompany roast beef, game and strong cheeses. Serve between 14 and 16°C.

A long history spanning 12 centuries, a great Burgundy appellation, a white wine worthy of the finest Burgundies, an exceptional red wine: the Montagne de Corton is well worth a visit, whether for hiking boots or just for the taste.

More information on the Corton

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Domaine Antonin Guyon - Corton Grand Cru Bressandes 2020

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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97/100 Wine Enthusiast

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95/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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94/100 Wine Spectator

pinot noir
textured
great care
grand cru

"Reference Grand Cru

"At 17.40 hectares, this is the largest of the 25 climats on the Corton hillside. Dominique Guyon produces a ruby-red Corton that tumbles on the gob and exudes good taste. Discreet but fine, the nose hesitates between violets and blackcurrants, with a hint of oak. This elegant bouquet infuses a silky body underpinned by fine, tight tannins that in no way detract from its charm. A precise, racy wine of perfect harmony that will keep well. For "a Hungarian-style pheasant", says the jury, or more simply a juicy guinea fowl". (Le Guide Hachette 2024)

Joseph Drouhin - Corton Grand Cru 2020

94/100 Wine Spectator

pinot noir
long-keeping wine
grand cru

"A magnificent companion for a delicious capon!

Candied fruit aromas on the nose of this Corton, evolving towards musky and spicy nuances with age. In its youth, the palate is quite full-bodied, without harshness. The aromas linger for a very long time, bringing back memories of the candied fruits of the first nose.

H. et G. Buisson - Le Rognet-et-Corton Grand Cru 2022

92-95/100 Inside Burgundy - Jasper Morris

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90-92/100 Vinous

pinot noir
rich
concentrate
long finish
grand cru

"A very great Burgundy

"The Corton Le Rognet-et-Corton Grand Cru 2022, made from around 40% whole bunches, has a stubborn, retro nose that refuses to express itself despite vigorous aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, with a supple, slightly candied entry, hints of marmalade and orange peel infusing the red fruits with a candied finish." (Vinous 2023)

Louis Jadot - Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi 2017

91-93/100 Robert Parker

pinot noir
complex
concentrate
long finish
rib steak
grand cru

"A great success

"The 2017 Corton-Clos du Roi Grand Cru (Maison Louis Jadot) is one of the great successes of this year's négoce catalog. It's a beautiful wine offering a complex nose of dark berries, red cherry, dried flowers, forest floor and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, finely structured and detailed, with good concentration, a fine grain of chalky tannins and a long finish. This is an insider's choice worth seeking out." (Wine Advocate 2019) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Maison Louis Latour - Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2016

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4.8/5 (4 reviews)

99/100 James Suckling

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18/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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95+/100 Gault & Millau

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93+/100 Robert Parker

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16,5/20 Bourgogne Aujourd'hui

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93/100 Wine Spectator

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93/100 Decanter

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16/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 Vinous

pinot noir
powerful
great care
cherry quail

"A masterful Grand Cru

"I love the depth of fruit and intensity of this wine. It has nuances of black fruit and flowers, as well as meat, which is very captivating. Full body, purity of fruit and lovely powerful tannins. Smooth and powerful. Targeted austerity. A cellar wine. (James Suckling).

Domaine Antonin Guyon - Corton Grand Cru 2012

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

pinot noir
structured
powdery tannins
game
grand cru

Beautiful ruby color for this Corton Grand Cru 2012 with a nose of blackcurrant and cherry. Deep with intense fruit, the palate offers an elegant, pure texture with extremely fine tannins and a beautiful structure. A Grand Cru of choice!

H. et G. Buisson - Le Rognet-et-Corton Grand Cru 2020

95/100 Vinous

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93+/100 Robert Parker

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17,5/20 RVF

pinot noir
rich
concentrate
long finish
grand cru

"A very great Burgundy

"The 2020 Corton Grand Cru Le Rognet et Corton went down very well, relaxing in the glass with aromas of dark berries, spice, bitter chocolate, loamy earth and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with lively acids, fine, chalky tannins and a long, penetrating finish, this is one of the best Buisson Brothers reds I've tasted." (Wine Advocate -2022)

Bouchard Père & Fils - Le Corton Grand Cru Domaine 2016

94-95/100 James Suckling

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90/100 Vinous

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16/20 RVF

pinot noir
racy
grand cru

"Chalky, stony notes mingle with pastry and red to black cherries, all leading to a palate that shows good acidity, impressive depth and weight of tannins. A fresh vintage expression with more intensity on the finish. This one will age very well. Try from 2024." (James Suckling - 2018).The Côte de Beaune's only red Grand Cru, Corton is also a historic vineyard whose first traces date back to the 2nd century BC. Later, Corton became Charlemagne's favorite wine. It is the only Côte d'Or Grand Cru to be divided into sub-climates. "Le Corton" refers to the parcel that gave its name to the Corton appellation.

Chanson Père et Fils - Corton Vergennes Grand Cru 2016

17/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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17,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 Burghound

chardonnay
lobster
grand cru

"Beautiful body, clean, vigorous, not yet very nuanced but impeccably vinified and aged. Wait at least five years" (Le Guide des Vins Bettane & Desseauve - 2017) This exceptional Grand Cru boasts great structure, amplitude and depth.

Louis Jadot - Corton Pougets Grand Cru 2014

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5/5 (1 review)

95/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Wine Enthusiast

great care
grand cru

"The clarity of the color is very appealing in this wine with plum, citrus and orange peel character. Full body that sneaks up on you with a stony, tannic character. Needs time to soften a little. Excellent aging potential." (James Suckling 2017). A great wine. Delivery in wooden case for any order of 6 bottles of this wine (excluding Point Relais delivery method).

Domaine Prin - Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru 2014

1*Étoile Hachette

"Eighty-year-old venerable vines are at the root of this deep-red Corton, expressive and intense on the nose (red fruit, licorice, toasty wood and vanilla). Tender and suave on the palate, backed by soft, fine tannins, with a slightly harsher finish. An amiable, playful Corton, to be enjoyed relatively young". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2017)

Domaine Antonin Guyon - Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roy 2014

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4/5 (2 reviews)

17,5/20 RVF

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17,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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93/100 Wine Spectator

"Located just below the Chemin des Bressandes, this vineyard produces a magnificently aristocratic wine. A masterpiece of balance between tight tannins, noble and concentrated aromatic expression, and a whole possessing restraint and precision." (Le Guide Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France)

Domaine de la Pousse d'Or - Corton Les Bressandes Grand Cru 2013

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

90-92/100 Robert Parker

"The Corton-Bressandes 2013 Grand Cru has a discreet bouquet of blackberry, iodine and blackcurrant that gradually reveals itself in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied. The wood here is nicely integrated with supple tannins and a harmonious finish." (Wine Advocate 2014 - Robert Parker) A choice Corton!

Domaine de la Pousse d'Or - Corton Les Bressandes Grand Cru 2014

90-92/100 Robert Parker

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17,5/20 RVF

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17/20 Bettane & Desseauve

"The 2014 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, from the 0.48 hectares of vines planted between 1956 and 1994, reveals a firm, tertiary bouquet with hints of Autumn leaves on black fruit. The palate is nicely structured and warm on the attack, thanks to its supple tannins and well-controlled acidity. There's a touch of spiciness as it unfolds towards the finish with notes of black pepper and spice." (Wine Advocate 2015 - Robert Parker) A choice Corton!

Domaine de la Pousse d'Or - Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2013

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (1 review)

17,5/20 RVF

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17/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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92-94/100 Robert Parker

"The 2013 Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru is tight on the nose, but there's plenty of ripe black cherry and cassis waiting to blossom. There's a fine cleanliness and uprightness. The palate is medium-bodied and much spicier than the Corton Bressandes: black pepper, cloves and a touch of thyme, and it finishes nicely. What a superb Clos du Roi " (Wine Advocate 2014 - Robert Parker)