2021 Corton Charlemagne
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Tasting notes
The Corton Charlemagne was the last wine of our tasting at Faiveley this year – and what a way to finish. They managed to harvest just 12hl/ha from this site, one that normally is never hit by frost, yet was in 2021. The resulting wine is beautifully concentrated, with a chalky, bright citrus nose. It’s open and sunny, yet also taut – with a line of vibrant, limey acidity that runs through the entire length of the wine. The citrus fruit is complemented by light, honeyed notes and white blossom.
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Neal Martin
Allen Meadows, Burghound
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The 2021 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru was heavily affected by the frost resulting in just four barrels rather than the usual 16 or 17; their plot is located on the Ladoix side. At the moment there is quite a bit of reduction on the nose that occludes the terroir expression at the moment. The palate is taut and fresh, a judicious slice of bitter lemon lends tension that sutures with the apricot and lemongrass notes on the finish that has a little more persistence than the Bâtard-Montrachet. Promising despite everything.
The 2021 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru was cropped at a mere 12 hectoliters per hectare, yet it remains quite classic in profile, exhibiting notes of lemon zest, pear, nutmeg and pastry cream, followed by a full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a satiny attack and a racy spine of acidity, concluding with a chalky finish.
About the producer
Domaine Faiveley is one of Burgundy’s most important wine producers. The family-owned estate, now in the hands of the seventh generation, is one of the largest in the region, with significant holdings in both the Côte d’Or and the Côte Chalonnaise.