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The Corton hill lies at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune and spans the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. It is the only Grand Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune that produces both red and white wine: Corton (around 160 hectares) is predominantly made from Pinot Noir, Corton-Charlemagne (around 72 hectares) exclusively from Chardonnay. The Corton hill thus ranks among the most important and at once most versatile Grand Cru terroirs of Burgundy.
While Aloxe-Corton officially bears the name Corton and holds the largest share of the Grand Cru parcels, Pernand-Vergelesses preserves its own identity in the side valley to the west. Ladoix-Serrigny long stood in the shadow of its more famous neighbours but is gaining increasing attention — not least thanks to a new generation of ambitious growers.
The history of the Corton hill reaches back to Carolingian times. Legend has it that Emperor Charlemagne in the 8th century had white vines planted in order to avoid red wine stains on his beard — a myth that remains closely tied to Corton-Charlemagne to this day.
The singularity of the Corton hill lies in its geological diversity. Scarcely any other Grand Cru in Burgundy possesses such a complex combination of exposures, soil formations and microclimates. This explains the enormous stylistic range within the appellation.
The Corton hill forms the northern end of the Côte de Beaune and is home to an exceptional concentration of classified Grand Cru sites. Unlike in many other Grand Cru appellations of Burgundy, Corton permits numerous single vineyards to be additionally named on the label.
Monopoles
Shared Grands Crus
Corton-Charlemagne is a top appellation in the Côte d’Or, known above all for its dry white wines. The Corton-Charlemagne appellation spans the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. A considerable share of the holdings could in theory also be vinified as red Corton. In practice, exposure often determines the choice of grape: warmer south-facing slopes are ideal for Pinot Noir, while cooler western and higher parcels produce outstanding Chardonnay.
Historically, the definition of Corton-Charlemagne was contested. Growers from Aloxe-Corton in particular initially rejected the inclusion of west-facing parcels from Pernand-Vergelesses. Only the definitive AOC decrees of 1942 confirmed today’s structure of the appellation.
The rare appellation Charlemagne Grand Cru still exists in theory. In practice, it is used by very few producers. Among the best known is Domaine de la Vougeraie, which has marketed part of its production under this historical name since 2013.
The Corton hill is geologically one of the most complex terroirs of the Côte d’Or. The differing orientations of the slopes significantly influence style, ripening curve and structure of the wines.
The red Grands Crus from south-facing parcels such as Les Renardes or Clos du Roi frequently develop a powerful tannin structure, dark fruit and great ageing potential. The higher-lying Chardonnay parcels of Corton-Charlemagne, by contrast, produce wines of enormous tension and mineral precision.
Typical of great Corton-Charlemagne wines is their linear structure. In contrast to the opulent fullness of a Montrachet, what dominates here is saline minerality, calcareous tension and an almost electric drive on the palate.
Numerous Premier Cru sites lie around the Corton hill, whose quality frequently approaches Grand Cru level.
Premiers Crus in Aloxe-Corton
Premiers Crus in Pernand-Vergelesses
Pernand-Vergelesses as a whole has a cooler style than Aloxe-Corton. The wines frequently show higher acidity and marked minerality.
Premiers Crus in Ladoix-Serrigny
Ladoix was long regarded as the underestimated commune of the Corton hill. In recent years, however, several ambitious domaines have demonstrated the potential of the appellation’s calcareous soils.
The village wines around the Corton hill often offer exceptionally attractive value within the Côte de Beaune.
Aloxe-Corton Village delivers mostly powerful Pinot Noir wines with dark fruit, spicy notes and marked structure. Proximity to the Grand Cru parcels shapes the style distinctly.
Pernand-Vergelesses Village shows itself cooler, more mineral and finer. White wines from Pernand rank among the most interesting insider tips of the Côte de Beaune.
Ladoix Village frequently combines freshness with calcareous precision. Chardonnay in particular is gaining increasing importance here.
Many village wines benefit from five to ten years of bottle age, developing then the typical earthy complexity of great Burgundies.
Corton Rouge
Corton-Charlemagne
Great Corton-Charlemagne wines frequently require several years of bottle age before their full aromatic depth unfolds.
The qualitative range within the appellation is broad. In Corton Rouge in particular, yield management, extraction and élevage play a decisive role.
For newcomers, Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Crus often offer the most attractive value within the Corton hill. Those looking to experience the classic style of the Corton hill find excellent entry options in Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru Les Fournières or Les Paulands.
Among Chardonnays, Corton-Charlemagne wines from renowned domaines are now considered direct competition for Montrachet — though often at more moderate prices.
What makes Corton special?
Corton is the only Grand Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune that produces both great red and white wines. The Corton hill also possesses an exceptional variety of exposures and soils.
Which Grands Crus are there in Corton?
The most important Grand Cru appellations are Corton, Corton-Charlemagne and the rarely used historical appellation Charlemagne.
Which well-known single vineyards belong to Corton?
Among the most renowned climats are Clos du Roi, Les Renardes, Les Bressandes, Les Pougets, Le Rognet et Corton and Les Perrières.
Are there monopoles on the Corton hill?
Yes. Particularly well known is Clos des Cortons Faiveley, a monopole of Domaine Faiveley.
Which grape varieties are grown?
Pinot Noir dominates for red wine. Corton-Charlemagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay.
How long can Corton wines be cellared?
Great red Cortons easily reach 20 to 40 years of ageing potential. Corton-Charlemagne often develops over several decades.
Which neighbouring communes border Corton?
The Corton hill spans the communes of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny.
Why is Corton-Charlemagne so famous?
The wines combine enormous power with calcareous minerality and are among the longest-lived Chardonnay wines of Burgundy.
What does a good entry-level wine from Corton cost?
Village wines from Pernand-Vergelesses or Ladoix usually start from around €35 to €50.
Does Charlemagne Grand Cru still exist?
Yes, the appellation still exists, but is used separately by only a very few producers.
