Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru AOP 2020

Vineyards

The grapes for Vallet Frères Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 are sourced from the prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne in the Côte de Beaune. These vineyards, planted with vines of a minimum age of 15 years, thrive in limestone-rich soils at altitudes of 300 to 350 metres. The terroir, coupled with an east-facing aspect and a unique microclimate, provides ideal conditions for producing wines of remarkable minerality, balance, and complexity.

Winemaking

Vallet Frères employs ultra-traditional winemaking methods, maintaining a commitment to time-honoured practices. The juice, pressed from hand-selected grapes, is decanted and fermented in open wooden casks using only natural yeasts, without temperature control. The wine is left on its lees for an extended period before maturing in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years, with gentle racking two or three times a year. Bottling is a meticulous, gravity-fed process, with the wine transferred unfiltered directly from barrel to bottle, ensuring purity and authenticity.

Appearance

Pale gold with green highlights, showcasing its vibrancy and Grand Cru pedigree.

Nose

A refined bouquet of chamomile, ripe pear, and butterscotch is complemented by subtle mineral notes and delicate oak nuances.

Palate

The palate is complex and structured, with flavours of citrus zest, toasted almonds, and ripe pear, underpinned by a fine mineral backbone. The extended oak ageing imparts depth and elegance, while the vibrant acidity ensures balance and a clean, lingering finish.

Food pairing

The labour-intensive methods used to produce this wine deserve equally thoughtful pairings. Ideal dishes include simply grilled lobster, snails in herb butter, or pike dumplings in a sorrel sauce. Its richness also pairs beautifully with poultry in creamy sauces or mature cheeses.

Background story

Vallet Frères, established in 1864 by Pierre Bourée, is a historic family-run estate renowned for its traditional winemaking methods. Now managed by Jean-Christophe Vallet, the fourth generation of the family, the domaine produces terroir-driven wines from some of Burgundy's most esteemed vineyards, including Clos de la Justice and Charmes-Chambertin. The 2020 Corton-Charlemagne reflects their unwavering dedication to crafting wines of exceptional character and longevity, offering a glimpse into Burgundy's finest traditions.