Corton-Charlemagne

The famous Corton mountain, situated on the high ground of Aloxe Corton (to the east), Ladoix-Serrigny (to the north) and Pernand-Vergelesses (to the west) is the envy of many. Woodland at the top is surrounded by magnificent vineyards which produce the most marvellous of the great wines of the Côte de Beaune : le Corton red wines and Corton-Charlemagne white wines.

An attractive legend is associated with this "Appellation" : the emperor Charlemagne was very fond of this Grand Cru which, at the time, was only planted with Pinot Noir producing red wine. It was only towards the end of the emperor's life that the vineyards facing south were planted with Chardonnay : the king's hand was no longer as steady as it was, and from time to time, he spilt the precious nectar on his white beard. This annoyed his wife to such an extent that she demanded that white grapes be planted on part of the hill so that no trace would be seen on his beard.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Bouchard Père & Fils acquired 60 % of " Le Corton " that is 6,93 hectares altogether. Today it is the third biggest owner of Corton-Charlemagne with 3,25 hectares.

The Grand Cru Corton-Charlemagne by Bouchard Père & Fils is quite unique : it is the only Great White wine produced on "Le Corton" which can be planted either with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Very smooth and more feminine than the "Grands Crus" produced on the " En Charlemagne " and " Le Charlemagne " territories, they are characterized by an almost austere note of flint when young. The Bouchard Père & Fils Corton-Charlemagne has a strong personality : very intense nose, remarkably mellow with pleasant acidity.