Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune sub-region encompasses multiple world-renowned wine-producing villages, and Aloxe-Corton, nestled in its northern end and adjacent to Ladoix-Serrigny and Pernand-Vergelesses, is one of its most cherished. Defined by densely planted vineyards predominantly dedicated to the treasured yet temperamental Pinot Noir grape, Aloxe-Corton, which spans just under 120 hectares, also allots a very small area – a mere 2 hectares –to its equally cherished Chardonnay. The delivery of both, even with Chardonnay limited to such a small amount, makes Aloxe-Corton unique as a Côte de Beaune producer of both reds and white Grand Crus.
Located below the east-facing limestone Cote d’Or escarpment situated just north of Beaune, Aloxe-Corton was known only as Aloxe until the reference to the Montagne, or Hill, of Corton was added to its name in the mid-1800s. This change was a sign of things to come, as Corton has been home to Côte de Beaune’s sole Grand Cru red wines – and Grand Cru appellation – since 1937. 1938 ushered in the Aloxe-Corton appellation, and fifty years later, the Aloxe-Corton vineyards were classified as well, with 14 climats elevated to the status of Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru.
The region carries Grand Cru designations for both its signature reds and whites: Corton speaks to both offerings, while Corton-Charlemagne is assigned only to white. (Legend has it that the wife of Emperor Charlemagne, who had a love for Corton’s red wine but kept staining his iconic white beard with the same, ordered white grapes to be planted on part of the hill. The wine soon gained global popularity, and the designation features his regal name.) Both designations not only add credence to the quality and status of the wines but also drive their desirability.
As a result, many Aloxe-Corton wines command much higher prices than those from neighboring communes. The Pinot Noir from Aloxe-Corton, which accounts for nearly 98% of the commune’s production,is famous for itsdeep, rich color and structured, aromatic overtones. Beautiful and finessed yet highly athletic, these wines are characteristically fruity at the start, but replace this freshness with hints of truffle and spice as they mature into elegant, full-bodied wines. In a similar fashion, the region’s Chardonnay also presents early on as fruit-forward, but with age develop a more rounded, buttery and seductively concentrated profile with a hint of flint that reflects the area’s mineral-driven terroir.Both wines have staying power, with the ability to age for up to 30 years.
Delivering Pinot Noir that’s simultaneously robust and refined as well as aromatic, assertive Chardonnay, Aloxe-Corton proves that it is one of the more perfect wine-growing spots in all of Burgundy.
