Corton and the Wines of Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Verglesses
A solitary hillock crowned with a forest and covered with grand cru vineyards down each slope is an impressive landmark in the Côte d’Or. This is the hill of Corton, sometimes rather grandly called the Montagne de Corton, and its vines are shared between the villages Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton and Pernand-Verglesses.

The vineyards of Ladoix start at an altitude of 220 metres spreading up to 360 metres towards the base of the east-south-east slope of the Corton hill. They are planted in chalky-marl soils, which are slightly richer in clay for the white wine production. Ladoix Pinot Noir is supple with a red fruit bouquet, the premier crus are fuller wines with more tannin. The Chardonnay produced takes time to mellow into a supple and lively wine.

Aloxe-Corton is at the bottom of the hill, a small and beautiful village with a human settlement dating back to the Roman Empire. Three colourful chateâux mark the wealth of bygone days but there is very little to demonstrate the modern world. Pinot Noir grand cru is grown on the lower slopes around the village, the soil is deeper here with a high alluvial sand and gravel content. The famous Corton–Charlemagne Chardonnay is grown at the top of the slope just below the forest where the soil is light, this popular grand cru was named after Emperor Charlemagne who owned land in the village in the eighth century.

Pernand-Vergelesses, again notable for its prettiness, sits on the hillside at altitudes of 260 to 380 metres. The commune covers 500 hectares only 180 of which are under vines. The grape ripening process can suffer from the shadow of the hill but Pernand-Vergelesses growers are dedicated and highly competent. Both white and red wines from Pernand are dry, the Chardonnay and is light and lively and the Pinot Noir is quite firm when young. Reasonably priced Aligotè is also produced at Pernand Vergelesses but it is often extremely acidic.

 

White Wines from Ladoix
White Wines from Aloxe-Corton
White Wines from Pernand-Verglesses
Red Wines from Corton and Pernand-Verglesses