Domaine de la Romanée-Conti : Corton-Charlemagne Grand cru 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a medium gold hue, reflecting a beautiful concentration.

Nose
Broad and persistent, the bouquet reveals aromas of ripe yellow fruits, such as peach, underscored by soft honeyed notes. The whole is rounded out by a mineral touch evoking stone and a hint of smoke.

Palate
The attack offers an immediate sense of fullness. The broad, velvety texture unfolds a generous richness, perfectly balanced by lively acidity. A mineral tension carries through the tasting to a remarkably long finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This white wine pairs beautifully with shellfish such as saffron-roasted langoustines, delicate fish in creamy or lemon-based sauces, poultry with morels, as well as pressed, cooked-curd cheeses like Comté.

Serving and Ageing

To fully appreciate the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. Moderate, careful decanting may be considered. Built for a long evolution, this wine calls for a few years of patience and will drink well until around 2040.

The elegance and expression of a great Chardonnay from the Montagne de Corton

The Estate

Located in Burgundy, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti farms approximately 28 hectares of vines, all classified as grand cru. While the origins of certain climats date back to the Middle Ages, the current Société Civile was established in 1942. Today, the estate is co-managed by Perrine Fenal and Bertrand de Villaine. A pioneer in its field, the estate has applied biodynamic principles for many years, achieving certification in 2017. The domaine stands out for its exceptionally low yields and its constant pursuit of the pure expression of each terroir.

The Vineyard

The grapes behind this Corton-Charlemagne come from 2.9 hectares of vines leased from Domaine Bonneau du Martray. Located on the Montagne de Corton, at an altitude ranging between 280 and 330 metres, this terroir consists of pale soils blending marl and Jurassic limestone. The plots benefit from varied exposures and are farmed biodynamically. The soils are worked meticulously, at times with a horse, and natural grass cover encourages rich biodiversity within the vines.

The Vintage

The year 2020 was marked by particularly high summer temperatures. These climatic conditions led to rapid ripening of the berries and an early harvest, allowing for a beautiful natural balance to be preserved.

Winemaking and Ageing

Following hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes for the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 undergo gentle pressing. Fermentation begins spontaneously through the action of indigenous yeasts in oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is carried out, followed by extended ageing on the lees punctuated by regular lees stirring (bâtonnage). Bottling takes place in accordance with the biodynamic calendar.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay