Domaine Bonneau du Martray : Corton-Charlemagne Grand cru 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 from Domaine Bonneau du Martray

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance unveils a pale golden yellow hue, luminous and bright, characteristic of the great white wines of Burgundy.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity with notes of Anjou pear, peach and nectarine, accompanied by white flowers, light honey, nutmeg and mint. Aromas of fresh bread complete this bouquet. Upon aeration, the wine unveils nuances of citrus, lemon zest, honeysuckle and hazelnut, with a subtle minerality that progressively intensifies.

Palate

On the palate, this wine presents a medium to full body with a satiny texture. The attack is both lively and concentrated, revealing remarkable depth at the mid-palate. The wine expresses distinctive mineral precision with limestone and wet stone impressions, accompanied by a saline quality that develops gradually. The perfectly integrated acidity brings tension and freshness. The finish stands out for its exceptional length and saline persistence, offering a harmonious, intense and complete ensemble.

Food and wine pairings

This Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 pairs perfectly with noble crustaceans such as lobster, spiny lobster or crab. It also elegantly accompanies foie gras, roasted or braised poultry with refined sauces, veal blanquette and blue cheeses.

Service and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed until approximately 2053, demonstrating exceptional cellaring potential.

A Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru from Burgundy combining minerality and depth

The estate

Domaine Bonneau du Martray was founded in 1835 following the marriage of Charles Bonneau du Martray to Eugénie Very. Located in Pernand-Vergelesses in Burgundy, this historic estate spans approximately 11 hectares of vines. Since January 2017, the property has been majority-owned by American businessman E. Stanley Kroenke, while the Le Bault de la Morinière family retains a minority stake. The estate distinguishes itself by its exclusive production of Grand Cru wines and its commitment to biodynamic viticulture, certified since 2013. With nearly 9.5 hectares of Corton-Charlemagne, it represents the largest owner of this prestigious appellation.

The vineyard

The Corton-Charlemagne from Domaine Bonneau du Martray comes from an exceptional vineyard located on the Corton hill, at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. This terroir benefits from a unique west and south-west orientation, rare in Burgundy, offering optimal sunshine from mid-morning until sunset. The 9.5 hectares are divided into around fifteen distinct plots, allowing the diversity of the hill's three microclimates to be expressed. The soils are composed of nine different types, mainly yellow, ochre and brown clay marls, alternating with limestone bands. This clay-limestone composition, combined with the altitude and constant airflow, creates ideal conditions for the Chardonnay to flourish. The vines, averaging forty years of age, are cultivated according to biodynamic principles with yields controlled at approximately 40 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The year 2020 began with a mild winter followed by a contrasting spring with cool spells. The summer was characterized by hot temperatures and generous sunshine, with periods of drought. These climatic conditions favored optimal ripening of the grapes, allowing them to reach full phenolic maturity. The estate favored late harvesting to obtain this full maturity, thus ensuring the balance between richness, minerality and freshness characteristic of this exceptional vintage.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 are harvested manually at optimal maturity. Plot-by-plot vinification allows the expression of each terroir to be respected before the final blend. Ageing takes place on fine lees, with regular stirring favoring the development of texture and aromatic complexity. This approach aims to preserve the purity of the fruit and the mineral expression of the terroir while adding structure and depth to the wine.

Grape

100% Chardonnay