2020 Domaine Faiveley Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Domaine Faiveley’s 2020 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is one of the estate’s most emblematic white wines and a benchmark expression of great white Burgundy. Drawn from just 0.86 hectares of prime Grand Cru vines on the famed Corton hill, it marries power, precision and length in a way only Corton-Charlemagne can. Subtle fruit and floral notes are wrapped around a core of intense minerality, promising both immediate pleasure and remarkable aging potential. As a Grand Cru from one of Burgundy’s most respected families, this wine stands out for its old-vine material, complex patchwork of terroirs and long-held ownership (since 1874) of these prized parcels. The combination of clay-rich lower slopes and grey marl higher up yields a wine of depth, tension and remarkable aromatic persistence. Corton-Charlemagne has been celebrated for centuries as one of the great white wines of France, and Faiveley’s bottling captures that historic pedigree in a refined, contemporary style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 Domaine Faiveley Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru typically shows a luminous, pale to medium straw colour with glints of green, hinting at its youth and vibrancy. The nose is subtle yet refined: delicate white flowers, citrus zest, and stone fruits (think lemon, white peach, and pear) unfold over layers of crushed rock, chalk and a light suggestion of hazelnut and brioche as it opens in the glass. On the palate, this Grand Cru is both powerful and finely etched. A concentrated core of citrus and white orchard fruit is supported by a pronounced, saline minerality and a firm, racy acidity that drives the wine across the palate. Texturally, it is tight and linear in youth, with a creamy depth beginning to emerge beneath the structure. The finish is long, persistent and mouthwatering, echoing with citrus oil, flowers and cool stone. While accessible after some aeration, this 2020 will benefit from several years in bottle; well-cellared, it should evolve beautifully for 10–15 years or more, gaining complexity, nuttiness and additional layers of honeyed depth over time.

Production
This Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru comes from a patchwork of four distinct parcels in the climats of Le Corton and Le Rognet et Corton, on the famed Corton hill in the Côte de Beaune. The lower, east-facing sections at around 305 metres are rooted in clay-rich soils that give body and density, while the higher parcels, rising to about 360 metres, sit on grey marl that imparts tension, finesse and pronounced minerality. The vines, planted in 1933, 1935, 1987, 1988 and 2010, are largely old and deeply rooted, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavour. Harvesting is carried out by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure optimal ripeness and careful selection of bunches. In the cellar, Faiveley combines traditional Burgundian methods with modern precision: gentle pressing of the Chardonnay grapes, fermentation in oak, and élevage in carefully chosen barrels (often with a proportion of new oak) to build texture without overwhelming the wine’s mineral character. Each parcel is vinified with particular attention so that the final cuvée faithfully reflects the nuances of its terroir.

Food & Serving
This Grand Cru Chardonnay is an outstanding partner for refined cuisine: think butter-poached lobster, scallops in a light cream or citrus sauce, turbot or sole with beurre blanc, or roast chicken with morel mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with high-quality, not overly pungent cheeses such as Comté, aged Gruyère or a mild, creamy goat cheese. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail. In its youth, decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended to help the wine unfold and soften its structure; older bottles (8+ years) should be handled gently, with a brief, careful decant if needed to separate any sediment.

Producer
Founded in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley, Domaine Faiveley is one of Burgundy’s great family-owned estates and a key ambassador of the region’s wines worldwide. Over generations, the Faiveley family has built up an impressive 120 hectares of vineyards, including around 10 hectares of Grand Cru and nearly 25 hectares of Premier Cru, in some of the most prestigious appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Corton, Echezeaux and Montrachet. Their Corton-Charlemagne holdings, acquired in 1874, are among the estate’s crown jewels and form the basis of its most iconic white wine. Renowned critics Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve have described Faiveley as an estate of very high quality that “represents the full splendour of French winemaking.” Today, the domaine seamlessly blends centuries-old cellar traditions with thoughtful modern techniques, crafting wines that are clear, elegant and deeply expressive of their individual terroirs, vintage after vintage.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.