Corton Charlemagne 2019 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey

Tasting Note Corton Charlemagne 2019

Initially, aromas of lemon zest and white peach emerge, followed by notes of crushed stone. On the palate, the concentration resulting from the low yield is distinct, yet the wine unfolds narrowly and straight rather than spreading broadly, leaving a salty finish along both sides of the tongue. The oak notes do not overwhelm the fruit but blend subtly in the background. It leaves a long, chalky finish. It is still young, with a tightly structured body.

Grape Varieties

Corton-Charlemagne allows for two grape varieties, but this wine is 100% Chardonnay.

On this limestone soil, the aromas lean more toward citrus and green apple than tropical fruit, and the acidity that underpins the wine is also noticeable.

Cellaring Potential

This is a wine meant for long-term aging. Its high acidity, rich extract derived from low yields, and aging process without racking suggest that this wine will deepen in the cellar over time rather than fade. Serve in a decent-sized glass at 10-13°C. It helps to open the bottle an hour before serving. The flavors are still somewhat closed when drunk immediately after opening.

About Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey

No bâtonnage. That single choice says something about Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, a Chassagne-Montrachet house that leaves its white wines undisturbed on the fine lees in oak barrels rather than stirring them, then bottles without fining or filtration. Pierre-Yves Colin, son of Marc Colin, set up on his own with his wife in 2005, combining two local family names into one label. It works as a domaine, with Premier Cru parcels in Saint-Aubin and Chassagne-Montrachet, and as a négociant buying Grand Cru fruit from sites including Bâtard-Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne. Chardonnay dominates, with a little Aligoté and Pinot Noir alongside. Grapes also come from Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, the Côte de Nuits and the Côte Chalonnaise. Some parcels are farmed organically. Still family-run, with the next generation already involved.

Terroir & Climate

Corton-Charlemagne spans 52 hectares on the Corton hill and is divided into Ladoix-Serrigny, Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, situated on west- and south-facing slopes with gradients of 20-23%. The soil consists of clay-rich marl over limestone and rendzina, ranging in color from yellow to ochre. Thanks to the steep slopes and southwest-facing orientation, Chardonnay can ripen fully without losing its acidity due to cool nighttime temperatures. According to the tasting notes: It offers a sense of both body and clarity.

Winemaking

Since 2007, Colin-Morey has aged all its wines in 350-liter barrels; as these are larger than the standard 228-liter Burgundian barrels, the ratio of oak to wine is lower, allowing the woody notes to recede into the background. Corton Charlemagne sits undisturbed on its lees, unracked through the whole élevage, which builds texture without oxidative handling. It is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving the wine's natural components. Prioritizing structure over flavor, this wine precisely reflects that philosophy on the palate.

Food Pairing

Its rich body and crisp acidity harmonize well, ensuring the flavor doesn't become bland even when paired with a creamy sauce. Poulet de Bresse paired with a creamy sauce is a classic combination. Turbot with beurre blanc is also a great pairing for the same reason: the acidity cuts through the richness of the butter. Also good: lobster, or a risotto with morels. Aged Comté further enhances the nutty flavors in these dishes.