The name Corton comes from the Latin Curtis Othonis, Otho's domain. This Roman emperor refused to allow this fine vineyard to be harvested by anyone else. The Valois dukes were known as the grand dukes of the west, the princes of the best wines in Christendom. Philippe the Hardy, Jean the Fearless, Philippe the Good and Charles the Bold link Corton to the flamboyant days of the Order of the Golden Fleece. On Charles's death, Louis XI confiscated the enclosure, which remained as the Clos du Roi (king's enclosure) until the French Revolution three centuries later.
The royal vineyard, which had been well maintained under the Dukes of Burgundy, declined through lack of care. In 1603 it passed to Burgundy nobles under a cense, a sort of perpetual leasehold close to true ownership.
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Winemaking
Harvest de-stemmed, not crushed. No yeast addition. Maceration: pre-fermentation, cold, for 20 days. Barrel aged for 16 months.
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Nose
Powerful; really complex whilst maintaining its freshness. One finds spices, particularly those with menthol overtones, and, of course, the classic black and red fruits, here joined by a mineral touch.
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Palate
Sublime; magnificent intensity, balanced, showing aromas both fruity and balsamic. One can also detect a touch of smokiness of great delicacy. The finish is almost without end, and is both refreshing and savory.
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Bouchard Aîné & FilsThe Cuvée Signature range is a selection of reputed single vineyards villages, Premier and Grand Crus from the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune principally. Harvested, made and aged by our winemaker, they are produced in very limited quantities. -
Domaine de la Vougeraie“And lastly, to crown the repast, Ardan had brought out a fine bottle of Nuits, which was found ‘by chance’ in the provision-box. The three friends drank to the union of the earth and her satellite.” Jules Verne’s Around the Moon was the inspiration for the Apollo 15 astronauts, who christened the crater closest to their landing site Saint Georges.
