Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru occupies the upper slope of the Corton hill in the Côte de Beaune, spanning the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. It is among the largest and most prestigious Grand Cru appellations in Burgundy and the only Grand Cru in the Côte de Beaune to produce celebrated Chardonnay at scale. Soils are thin white limestone and marl on steep gradients, producing wines of extraordinary mineral concentration, tension and longevity. Great Corton-Charlemagne evolves across fifteen to twenty-five years, unfolding hazelnuts, toasted almond, white truffle, struck flint and dense citrus extract. The name recalls the Emperor Charlemagne, who according to tradition ordered the upper slope replanted with white rather than red vines to spare his white beard from red wine stains.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Warm summer with precise harvest timing; wines of exceptional balance, bright acidity, and long cellaring potential. |
| 2021 | — | Challenging spring frosts reduced yields dramatically; surviving wines show incredible concentration and purity. |
| 2020 | — | A benchmark vintage — warm, structured, deeply concentrated with rare balance. Among the great modern Corton-Charlemagne vintages. |
| 2019 | — | Rich, ripe style with opulent fruit and firm acidity. Early-approachable but built for two decades. |
| 2017 | — | Charming, round vintage with approachable fruit and good length. Ready earlier than typical. |