Bouchard Père & Fils Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Domaine 2022

Bouchard Père & Fils' Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is surrounded by fascinating legends. This wine was highly prized by Emperor Charlemagne, and was originally exclusively red. Towards the end of the emperor's life, the south-facing plots were planted with Chardonnay to produce a white wine that wouldn't stain his flowery beard. Situated at an altitude of 350 meters, on the edge of the forest, this vineyard benefits from the evening shade, avoiding the scorching rays of the late afternoon, and retaining its natural freshness.

This Grand Cru is made exclusively from Chardonnay. The shallow marl soils resting on a limestone slab bring salinity and create powerful, rich, round white wines. The limestone subsoil balances the wine, adding freshness and a lemony note.

The grapes are harvested by hand in small 13 kg crates, with each bunch carefully sorted by hand. Whole-bunch pressing lasts 2 to 3 hours to select the best juices. 25-30% of the cuvée is aged in new French oak barrels for 16-20 months, with the final 3-4 months in foudres. The Bastions cellars of the former Château of Beaune offer ideal conditions thanks to natural hygrometry and constant temperatures, allowing this Grand Cru to age serenely.

The Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is distinguished by an intense bouquet of fruity and toasty aromas, combined with mineral notes typical of this appellation. On the palate, this wine reveals a powerful attack, followed by persistent length. It develops saline and sugared almond notes, with an assertive personality. This wine needs time to fully express itself, and should be decanted when young.

This wine goes perfectly with fish, shellfish, grilled seafood or seafood in cream sauce. It also goes well with poultry and white meats, grilled or in creamy sauce. The perfect match: roasted turbot with a creamy sauce and baby vegetables.