Producer
Domaine Bonneau du Martray
As legend goes, Charlemagne, king of the Franks, ordered Chardonnay planted in the vineyard of Corton during his reign in the 8th century so as he would not stain his light-coloured beard during moments of great thirst. Whether this is mere romantic fallacy, what cannot be denied is the exceptional quality of this appellation, particularly the wines from Bonneau du Martray. Domaine Bonneau du Martray planted its noble roots...Read more
As legend goes, Charlemagne, king of the Franks, ordered Chardonnay planted in the vineyard of Corton during his reign in the 8th century so as he would not stain his light-coloured beard during moments of great thirst. Whether this is mere romantic fallacy, what cannot be denied is the exceptional quality of this appellation, particularly the wines from Bonneau du Martray. Domaine Bonneau du Martray planted its noble roots shortly after the French Revolution when vineyard land was swooped up from the church and resold to often wealthy bourgeoisies. Over the years, bits and pieces were chiselled off due to family divisions to what remains of the estate today - 11 hectares. Despite its losses, it remains the largest vineyard holder in Le Corton climat (9.5 ha) and is the only domaine besides Domaine de la Romanée Conti that produces exclusively grands crus. Since 1994, the domaine has been managed by Comte Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morinière, the great nephew to René Bonneau du Martray. Though the family owns a small amount of Corton (which is treated as the spoiled baby of the family), their Corton Charlemagne is the wine for which they are celebrated. Regal and powerful, it is a wine which conquers the palate and is without a doubt, one of the finest white Burgundies produced in the Côte d'Or.Read less
