Corton-Renardes Grand Cru

Appellation

Corton Renardes Grand Cru

Region

Appellation: 1er cru of the Côte de Beaune, in the Côte D’Or

Location

The "Montagne de Corton" brings together the villages of Ladoix-Serrigny, Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Vergelesses, between the Côte des Pierres (south of Côte de Nuits, where vineyards mingle with the Comblanchien stone quarries) and Savigny-lès-Beaune (north of the Côte de Beaune). The vineyards extend between 250 and 330 metres in altitude, forming an amphitheatre found nowhere else in the Côte. As well as the white Corton-Charlemagne, Montagne de Corton also produces Corton: "the king of the bon-vivants" as Camille Rodier says. Recognised on 31 July 1937, this Grand Cru is above all a red wine (it may then bear the name of its Climat, one of the 25), but there is also a white wine (limited volume).

The Terroir

Facing south-east/south-west (not very usual in the Côte) the hillside presents a perfect geological cross-section: the Oxfordian Jurassic layers found between Ladoix and Meursault are younger (145 million years) than elsewhere along the Côte. At mid-slope the soil of the gently sloping land is reddish and pebbly, brown limestone rich in marls with a high potash content. This allows the Pinot Noir to develop its full potential.

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Colour

Red

AGEING

18 months in barrels

Cultivation method

Environmentally friendly

Exposure

South/South-East

Serve With

Roast or grilled beef, game animals and birds. Strong rinded cheeses and blue cheeses.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WINE

Red Cortons are deep crimson, a velvety dark red darkening to magenta. Full-bodied, the bouquet is expressed over fruity (blueberry, gooseberry, kirsch) or flowery (violet) accents, moving toward undergrowth, animals, leather, fur, pepper and liquorice. To the palate, it is powerful and full-bodied, structured, readily expressing its chewy tannins and its body. Firm and forthright, rich, it needs time to develop (4 to 12 years).