Corton Charlemagne 2019 Domaine Romanèe Conti

* Last bottle of 2019 left in stock, shipping on Monday

Corton-Charlemagne: The Majesty of Chardonnay from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

The Corton-Charlemagne from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is an extraordinary Grand Cru that embodies the power and refinement of Burgundian Chardonnay. Sourced from one of the most prestigious appellations in the Côte de Beaune, this white wine elegantly expresses the uniqueness of its terroir and the artisanal mastery of DRC.

History and Philosophy

The Corton-Charlemagne vineyard boasts an ancient history dating back to the time of Charlemagne, from whom it takes its name. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti acquired parcels of this legendary cru with the goal of creating a Chardonnay that reflects the purity of the terroir and the balance between power and finesse. Following a biodynamic philosophy, DRC cultivates its vines with deep respect for nature and cosmic cycles to preserve the authenticity of the land.

Grape Variety

Corton-Charlemagne is produced exclusively from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from steep-sloped vineyards with low yields (around 25-30 hectoliters per hectare) to ensure exceptional aromatic concentration and a complex structure.

Vinification and Aging

The vinification of DRC’s Corton-Charlemagne follows a meticulous process to highlight the authentic expression of the terroir:

• Alcoholic Fermentation: Occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in oak barrels, ensuring a slow fermentation that preserves aromatic complexity.
• Malolactic Fermentation: Completes the process, giving the wine additional roundness and depth.

The aging process occurs in two main stages:

• 18-20 months in French oak barrels, partially new, adding complexity and delicate spicy notes without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

The wine is bottled without filtration to maintain its aromatic and structural integrity.

Tasting Notes

Corton-Charlemagne stands out for its aromatic finesse and extraordinary depth.

Appearance

A brilliant golden yellow hue with luminous reflections that intensify with age.

Nose

The nose offers a complex and refined bouquet: ripe citrus (lemon, grapefruit), hints of green apple and white peach, notes of toasted hazelnut, butter, vanilla, and a subtle chalky minerality.

Palate

On the palate, it is broad and enveloping, with vibrant acidity that provides freshness and tension. The structure is powerful yet balanced, with a long, persistent finish revealing nuances of ripe fruit, delicate spices, and an elegant mineral note.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its complexity and structure, Corton-Charlemagne pairs beautifully with refined and rich dishes such as:

• Shellfish (lobster, crayfish)
• Noble fish baked or roasted (turbot, sea bass)
• Poultry (capon, duck)
• Aged hard cheeses (Comté, Parmigiano Reggiano)

Serving Temperature

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve Corton-Charlemagne at a temperature of 12-14°C (54-57°F), after a light decanting for about an hour.

Alcohol Content

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s Corton-Charlemagne has an alcohol content of approximately 13-13.5% vol, harmoniously integrated into the wine’s structure.

Conclusion

Corton-Charlemagne is a masterful expression of Burgundian Chardonnay: a wine that combines power and elegance, capable of evolving magnificently over time. It is an essential choice for collectors and lovers of great white wines.

See all products of Domaine Romanèe Conti

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is one of the most prestigious and famous wine producers in the world, located in Burgundy, France. Known for its incredible quality and rarity, it is considered one of the best producers of Pinot Noir, the main grape variety of the region. The Domaine produces some of the most sought-after and expensive wines, and its reputation is tied to centuries of winemaking tradition.

History:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 12th century, when Cistercian monks began cultivating vineyards. The name “Romanée” is associated with the land and the wine’s quality, while “Conti” refers to the family who became the estate’s owners in the 17th century. Over the years, the estate passed through various noble hands, but its fame grew enormously starting in the 18th century.

In 1942, the property was purchased by the de Villaine family and Henri Jayer, a famous Burgundy winemaker. Today, the estate is managed by Jean-Charles Viala and Guillaume D’Angerville, who continue to uphold a high standard of quality.

The Wines:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti produces a small quantity of wines, but the ones it offers are among the most sought-after and admired in the world. The main ones are:

• Romanée-Conti: The most famous and sought-after wine, often considered the “king” of Pinot Noir. It is produced in very limited quantities (usually around 5,000 bottles per year) and is known for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.

• La Tâche: Another exceptional wine coming from a small vineyard adjacent to Romanée-Conti. It is often described as more intense and rich, with deep structure and a long aging potential.

• Richebourg: Produced from another vineyard, this wine is somewhat more accessible than Romanée-Conti but equally outstanding, with fruity and spicy aromas.

• Echézeaux and Grands Echézeaux: These wines come from vineyards located further south and offer a softer, rounder range of aromas.

• Corton: A relatively newer wine, but still highly appreciated for its richness and finesse.

The Land:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is located in the heart of Burgundy, in a small area known as Côte de Nuits, famous for its Pinot Noir vineyards. Its soils are exceptionally fertile and benefit from a unique microclimate that contributes to the creation of extraordinary wines. The vineyards are managed with strict cultivation methods, largely organic and biodynamic, to maintain ecological balance and soil quality.

Production:

Wine production is limited, which further increases the exclusivity and authenticity of the products. Winemaking methods are traditional but very meticulous. The use of high-quality wooden barrels is essential for aging the wines, which require long periods to fully express their potential.

Price and Rarity:

Due to its reputation, quality, and limited quantity of bottles produced, wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are extremely expensive. Some of these wines can reach very high prices at auctions, with Romanée-Conti being one of the most expensive wines in the world. The rarity and quality of these bottles make them coveted by wine collectors.

In conclusion, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a symbol of global winemaking excellence, a place where tradition, passion, and quality come together to create some of the most extraordinary wines in existence.